Motorola has been gaining market share in Australia, with observers crediting the brand’s momentum to its “cool” aesthetic and bold use of colour—an approach shaped by its close partnership with colour authority Pantone.

The collaboration between Motorola and Pantone began as a strategic move to differentiate smartphones in an increasingly uniform market.

By working directly with Pantone’s Colour Institute—globally recognised for dictating colour trends across fashion, design, and consumer products—Motorola gained early access to emerging palettes and expert guidance on how colour influences emotion and purchasing behaviour.

This partnership allows Motorola to launch devices in shades that align with global trends months before they hit mainstream culture, giving the brand a distinct edge in design-led appeal.

In 2025, this strategy was exemplified through PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse, a warm, rich brown selected as Pantone’s key hue of the year. Its integration into Motorola’s premium lineup helped fuel sales, contributing to the Razr foldable outselling Samsung’s Flip earlier in the year.

Now, leaks suggest that the standout colour for 2026 will be “Lightest Sky,” a fresh Pantone blue believed to resonate strongly with younger consumers. Research shows that while children’s colour preferences vary, they often gravitate toward bright, saturated shades—blue being one of the most universally favoured.

There is historical precedent for the magnetic power of blue among younger audiences: following a sales slump after the launch of M&M’s, Smarties saw renewed success when they introduced their now-iconic blue Smartie.

Pantone has yet to officially unveil its 2026 Colour of the Year, but early information suggests that “Lightest Sky” will take centre stage—potentially giving Motorola another trend-driven advantage in the year ahead.