iPhone 17 Pro: Back to Aluminum, Leaving Titanium Behind
In a surprising turn, Apple is reportedly planning to revert to aluminium frames for its iPhone 17 Pro models, according to a new analyst report. This marks a significant departure from the titanium frames featured in the current iPhone 15 Pro and anticipated iPhone 16 Pro series.
Apple supply chain analyst Jeff Pu, in an investor note, predicts that the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will all adopt aluminium frames. Notably, the rumoured iPhone 17 Air is expected to retain a titanium frame, creating an intriguing divergence within the lineup.
The shift to titanium in the iPhone 15 Pro was lauded for its weight reduction compared to the previous stainless steel frames. However, Pu suggests that environmental considerations drive Apple’s decision to return to aluminium. Aluminium has a lower carbon footprint than titanium. As a result, it better supports Apple’s goal of carbon neutrality. Specifically, the company aims to achieve this across its entire product line and supply chain by 2030.
This move could set the stage for the iPhone 17 Pro models to be marketed as Apple’s first carbon-neutral iPhones. They would follow in the footsteps of the Apple Watch and the latest Mac mini. This aligns with a previous rumour pointing towards aluminium frames for the Pro models.
iPhone 17 Air Still on Titanium
The decision to equip the iPhone 17 Air with a titanium frame, while the Pro models use aluminium, raises questions. Aluminium is lighter than titanium, making it a natural choice for a device focused on thinness and lightness. However, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously reported that the iPhone 17 Air might use a hybrid frame combining both materials. This design would include less titanium than the iPhone 15 Pro. This could offer a partial explanation, but the precise reasoning remains unclear.
The switch from titanium to aluminium in the Pro lineup is a significant development, especially after Apple touted the durability and premium feel of titanium. The move could indicate a strategic shift towards prioritizing sustainability alongside performance and design.
