The iPhone 17 is already raising questions weeks before its launch. New information from analysts suggests that Apple is making a surprising material choice for the upcoming model series. Particularly striking: The alleged iPhone 17 Air is said to have a titanium frame – in contrast to the Pro models, which are said to use aluminum. This contradicts the company's previous product strategy.
Apple has placed great emphasis on high-quality materials in recent years. Starting with the iPhone X, the high-end models used stainless steel or titanium to give the devices a robust yet sophisticated finish. Aluminum was reserved for the more affordable models. With the iPhone 17 series, this principle seems to be reversed—and it's causing quite a stir.
Titanium frame only on the iPhone 17 Air
According to Apple analyst Jeff Pu, citing an investor note from research firm GF Securities , the iPhone 17 Air will feature a titanium frame. This would make it the only new model to feature this material. The other models—the regular iPhone 17, the iPhone 17 Pro, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max—will instead feature aluminum frames. This choice of material is unusual. Titanium is significantly stronger than aluminum, but also heavier. According to previous reports, the iPhone 17 Air, in particular, will be particularly thin and light. Aluminum would better meet these requirements. Nevertheless, Apple appears to have opted for titanium—presumably to ensure the stability of the casing despite its thin construction.
Possible material mix for the Air model
Last year, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported that Apple was planning a combination of titanium and aluminum for the iPhone 17 Air. This raises the possibility that Apple is developing a new hybrid structure using both materials. This would reduce weight while still providing the necessary strength. Whether a pure titanium frame or a mix will actually be used has not yet been definitively determined.
Pro models rely on aluminum
Even more surprising is the news that the Pro models of the iPhone 17 will be made of aluminum. Apple previously used titanium or, previously, stainless steel for these models—materials perceived as particularly high-quality. While aluminum is lighter, it is generally associated with lower-priced devices. Jeff Pu expects both the iPhone 17 and the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max to feature aluminum frames. This would be a departure from the company's previous premium strategy. Apple may be using this to reduce weight or optimize manufacturing costs.
Comparison with the iPhone 16 series
A look at the current iPhone generation helps to better understand the changes:
- iPhone 16: Aluminum frame
- iPhone 16 Plus: Aluminum frame
- iPhone 16 Pro: Titanium frame
- iPhone 16 Pro Max: titanium frame
For the iPhone 17 series, Jeff Pu's predictions are as follows:
- iPhone 17: Aluminum frame
- iPhone 17 Pro: Aluminum frame
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: Aluminum frame
- iPhone 17 Air: Titanium frame
This means that Apple will no longer use the titanium material for the Pro series in the next generation, but will use it exclusively for the new Air model.
Many unanswered questions
Exactly why Apple chose this material remains unclear. It's possible that technical design requirements for the iPhone 17 Air necessitate the use of titanium. It's also conceivable that Apple is deliberately pushing the boundaries of its model range to position the Air model as a standalone, premium option. A definitive answer will likely come in September, with the official unveiling of the iPhone 17.
iPhone 17 Air moves into the premium spotlight
The iPhone 17 series not only brings new model names, but also a clear restructuring of materials. The fact that the iPhone 17 Air will be the only device with a titanium frame could indicate a new premium concept – even if it isn't formally designated as a Pro model. At the same time, Apple is returning to aluminum for its other models, which calls into question its previous Pro strategy. One thing is clear: The material choices for the iPhone 17 send a clear message and are likely to generate plenty of discussion once the devices are officially unveiled. (Image: MajinBuOfficial)
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