No Titanium Frame For iPhone 17 Pro Models? Only Apple iPhone 17 Air Likely To Feature Premium Build
Titanium is being dropped from the Pro line in the upcoming series in favour of aluminium, which is a notable reversal in Apple's design philosophy.
Apple is reportedly making an unexpected design shift by reserving the premium titanium build for just one of its upcoming iPhone 17 models. And surprisingly, it’s not the model most would expect. According to The Information, the new iPhone 17 Air, rather than the high-end Pro versions, will be the sole model in the lineup to feature titanium.
This move comes after Apple had heavily promoted the use of titanium as a signature element of the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, which debuted two years ago. The material continued to distinguish the iPhone 16 Pro range as well. But the latest reports suggest that titanium is being dropped from the Pro line in the upcoming series in favour of aluminium, which is a notable reversal in design philosophy so soon after embracing the premium metal.
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo provided further clarity on the development. Kuo noted that titanium is not being scrapped entirely, but instead will make an appearance exclusively on the new iPhone 17 Air. According to Kuo, the device will sport a titanium-aluminium alloy metal frame, with a lower percentage of titanium than the current Pro and Pro Max metal frames. This implies a hybrid construction, retaining the premium feel while possibly reducing costs or weight.
Analyst Jeff Pu has also confirmed this direction in his latest research note. According to a report in MacRumors, Pu stated in an investor note with equity research firm GF Securities that the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are expected to feature aluminium frames. This would make the iPhone 17 Air the only model in the lineup likely to use titanium.
Traditionally, Apple has used titanium as a hallmark of its ‘Pro’ devices. The new iPhone 17 Air, expected to be positioned as a more affordable and lighter model, would mark a significant departure from that strategy.
According to 9to5Mac, the move is surprising given that the iPhone 17 Air is expected to be a lower-cost model, yet it will feature a more premium build than the higher-end Pro and Pro Max devices.
One possible explanation, according to 9to5Mac, is that titanium is being used in the Air to help reduce weight, particularly if the Pro models are reverting to stainless steel. However, aluminium is lighter than titanium, making the choice somewhat puzzling, according to 9to5Mac.
