If you’re a fan of the titanium frame on your current iPhone, you might want to hold on to it. Rumor has it Apple’s next-gen Pro models could ditch the premium material for old-school aluminum frames, leading to speculation about whether the company is cutting costs or leaning harder into eco-goals.
According to a recent investor note from analyst Jeff Pu (via MacRumors), three out of four iPhone 17 models — including the Pro and Pro Max — may sport aluminum bodies, a move that’d reverse the shift to titanium introduced just two years back. Only the rumored “iPhone 17 Air,” a sleeker, lightweight variant, would keep a titanium blend.
If this sounds like déjà vu, that’s because Apple’s been flip-flopping on materials for years. Remember the stainless steel era? The iPhone 14 Pro’s heft had some users griping until titanium slimmed things down for the 15 and 16 series. Now, reverting to aluminum — while lighter than steel — means Pro models could actually gain a few grams compared to their titanium predecessors.
Pu claims the switch is about Apple’s 2030 carbon-neutral pledge. Aluminum’s carbon footprint is lower than titanium’s, and the company’s already pushed “green” materials in watches and Macs. Of course, I’m sure not everyone’s going to buy this.
The real head-scratcher? The iPhone 17 Air reportedly keeping titanium. Aluminum’s lighter, which suits a “thin and light” device, but Ming-Chi Kuo (another trusted analyst) hinted last year that the Air might blend titanium with aluminum. Maybe Apple’s reserving flashier specs for the Air to justify a new product tier — or testing how buyers react to material shuffles. Either way, it’s a weird look when the “budget” model gets the Pro’s former bragging rights.
In case you’ve not yet seen the circulating renders of the iPhone 17 Air or the Pro models, here’s a video to feast your eyes on:
I’m speculating that the decision to stick to titanium for the iPhone 17 Air might have something to do with keeping the phone structurally beefier. I bet Apple doesn’t want another “bendgate” on its records. But we’ll just have to wait and see if Apple cares to offer up any explanation for the decision.
Until then, Pro loyalists might want to hug their titanium 16s a little tighter.
Dwayne Cubbins
646 Posts
For nearly a decade, I've been deciphering the complexities of the tech world, with a particular passion for helping users navigate the ever-changing tech landscape. From crafting in-depth guides that unlock your phone's hidden potential to uncovering and explaining the latest bugs and glitches, I make sure you get the most out of your devices. And yes, you might occasionally find me ranting about some truly frustrating tech mishaps.
Follow Us
