Apple will again rely more heavily on titanium for the iPhone in 2026

Apple's iPhone lineup appears to be undergoing a major change next year. After a year in which titanium was almost completely eliminated from the model range, the material is expected to make a significant comeback in 2026. Several reports indicate that half of the new iPhones will again be equipped with titanium. This would mark Apple's return to a material strategy that was recently considered standard for its Pro models.

The iPhone has undergone remarkable development in recent years—not only in terms of technology, but also in terms of material design. In 2023, Apple made a major commitment to titanium for the first time, positioning it as a premium feature of the Pro models. Two years later, however, the strategy changed: The iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max returned to aluminum. Only one model, the iPhone Air, remained equipped with titanium. Now, insider reports indicate that Apple is reversing this course. For the 2026 iPhone generation, the iPhone 18 series, there will be two models featuring titanium. This will put the material back at the forefront of the product strategy.

The 2026 iPhone series: Four models planned

Rumors suggest that Apple is planning a four-device lineup for fall 2026: the iPhone Air 2, the iPhone 18 Pro, the iPhone 18 Pro Max, and a new model called the iPhone Fold, which could also be called the iPhone Ultra. Notably, the classic base iPhone 18 model is missing. According to current information, Apple is delaying its release until spring to streamline the fall lineup and avoid product oversaturation.

This results in a new lineup that is more focused on premium and innovation. What's particularly interesting is that two of the four planned models—the iPhone Air 2 and the iPhone Fold—are said to be made of titanium. Both devices are expected to use the material in different ways: the Air 2 as a lightweight and robust design upgrade, the Fold as a technical necessity for a stable, foldable case.

Titanium as a material choice: Return to the premium strategy

Titanium was introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro models in 2023. It was considered higher quality, lighter, and more robust than aluminum, giving the devices a noticeably different feel. In subsequent years, Apple used titanium as a distinguishing feature between the Pro and standard models.

In 2025, however, the turning point came. The iPhone 17 Pro was again made of aluminum, while at the same time the iPhone Air was introduced with titanium – an unusual move that disrupted the usual model structure. With this decision, Apple moved the material away from the premium class and closer to the mid-range.

The return to more titanium in the next generation suggests that Apple is seeking a new balance. The company seems to have recognized that titanium is not just a design feature, but also a sign of quality for many users. The combination of strength, light weight, and a cool, high-quality surface continues to set titanium apart from other materials.

The iPhone Fold as the new flagship

Particular attention is being paid to the planned iPhone Fold, which could also be marketed under the name iPhone Ultra. The device is intended to be the first foldable iPhone, thus opening up a new product category within the iPhone lineup. Titanium could play a crucial role here, combining a flexible design with sufficient stability. A folding mechanism places additional stress on the casing, which is why a lightweight yet strong material like titanium is particularly suitable.

With the Fold model, Apple could set a new premium standard—not only technically, but also visually. Combined with the iPhone Air 2, titanium will be used again in half of the next-generation iPhones.

Pro models remain aluminum

Interestingly, the iPhone 18 Pro models, i.e., the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, will continue to use aluminum next year. This decision could be part of a new differentiation strategy. Instead of materials, Apple could differentiate the models more strongly through features and form factors – for example, through the foldable design or special camera technologies.

iPhone 2026: Fewer models, more focus on titanium and innovation

Apple is preparing for a significantly changed iPhone landscape in 2026. This fall, the company will abandon a traditional base model, introduce a new device category with the iPhone Fold, and bring titanium back to the center of its product range. After a year of aluminum experiments, the material is making a clear comeback. Half of the new iPhones are expected to use titanium again – the iPhone Air 2 and the iPhone Fold. Both models thus represent the return of a design that Apple successfully introduced in 2023. While the Pro models are likely to focus on other innovations in the future, titanium will once again become a central part of the iPhone identity. For Apple, this marks a return to a more clearly premium image – and a new, yet familiar material standard for the iPhone line. The best products for you: Our Amazon storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including accessories for HomeKit. (Image: Shutterstock / ksmax)