In a move that signals the end of an era, Apple is phasing out its iconic space gray colour for the Macs lineup. The recently released M3 MacBook Air will be the final Mac model to feature the beloved space gray aluminum finish, with the upcoming M4 MacBook Air set to debut in a refreshing new shade of sky blue.
Apple first introduced the sleek space gray colour in 2013 with the iPhone 5s, replacing the darker slate shade from the iPhone 5. The colour was an instant hit, embodying sophistication and modernity.
It wasn’t long before Apple expanded the space gray offering to its Mac lineup, starting with the 12-inch MacBook in 2015, which marked the first time aluminium Macs came in any colour other than silver. A year later, the space gray MacBook Pro followed suit, solidifying space gray as a staple in Apple’s design language.
In 2018, Apple’s MacBook Air also embraced the space gray finish, giving users a stylish alternative to the traditional silver. The space gray phenomenon didn’t stop there—Apple even released the iMac Pro exclusively in this colour and offered higher-end Intel Mac minis in the same shade.
Over time, space gray made its way to other Apple devices, including the HomePod, HomePod mini, and AirPods Max, becoming a familiar and recognisable part of the Apple ecosystem.
However, the writing was on the wall when Apple began phasing out space gray in favour of darker, bolder colours. The M4 MacBook Pro replaced space gray with a deeper space black finish, and recent iPads have adopted similar shifts.
Last year, Apple introduced the M4 iPad Pro in space black, officially ending the space gray option in its iPad Pro lineup. Even the base model iPad abandoned space gray for lighter, more playful colours like silver, blue, yellow, and pink.
As of now, only two Apple products still sport the space gray finish: the M3 iPad Air and the A17 Pro iPad mini, both released recently. But with Apple’s clear trend towards colours like space black, jet black, and midnight, it seems space gray’s days are numbered.
Interestingly, space gray has never been a single, consistent colour. Depending on the lighting, it could look closer to silver or even resemble the new space black. In its heyday, space gray was more than just a colour choice—it was a symbol of Apple’s sleek and minimalist design ethos. Now, as Apple pivots to new shades, fans of space gray may need to prepare for a world of deeper blacks and vibrant blues.
With the introduction of sky blue for the M4 MacBook Air, it’s clear that Apple is looking toward a brighter, more colourful future. While space gray may be fading into the background, a fresh era of bold colours awaits.
