Apple follows many of the practices of the fashion industry. For example, the fanfare for announcements of new colors (which are highlighted during keynote anno

Apple follows many of the practices of the fashion industry. For example, the fanfare for announcements of new colors (which are highlighted during keynote announcements, as opposed to being a footnote), and having different sets of colors for different colors. It fits the "luxury consumer electronics" segment they've created (how they've managed to create and maintain that is, I'm sure, a case study in business schools). Charging more for an exclusive color whose only difference is that it costs more is classic fashion business sense. See also, the origin of black pearls as a desirable item, which were originally thought as defective pearls until one savvy person started marketing them as exclusive and expensive. Or also Parmentier making potatoes appealing in France by having his potato patches surrounded by (easily bribable) guards.