iPhone 17 Pro to Reverse iPhone X Design Decision

[MacRumors]

Since the iPhone X in 2017, all of Apple's highest-end iPhone models have featured either stainless steel or titanium frames, but it has now been rumored that this design decision will be coming to an end with the iPhone 17 Pro models later this year.

In a post on Chinese social media platform Weibo today, the account Instant Digital said that the iPhone 17 Pro models will have an aluminum frame, with a glass section on the back of the devices to preserve MagSafe and Qi wireless charging support. This part-aluminum, part-glass design for iPhone 17 Pro models was previously reported by The Information's Wayne Ma, and it is now backed by an additional source.

Apple has continued to use aluminum frames for the lower-end iPhone models each year, including the latest iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus. The higher-end iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max feature titanium frames, so the return to aluminum for the Pro models would be a notable change. Instant Digital said the aluminum frame will be very thin, and they expect the iPhone 17 Pro models to feature ultra-thin bezels.

Aluminum is lighter and cheaper than titanium, but Apple's reasons for allegedly shifting back to the material are unknown at this point.

A previous rumor indicated that the all-new "iPhone 17 Air" model will still use a mix of titanium.

Instant Digital has more than 1.4 million followers on Weibo, and the account has accurately leaked Apple information before, such as the Yellow finish for the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus, and the Apple Watch Ultra 2's Titanium Milanese Loop. However, like most sources, the account does not have a perfect track record.

Apple will announce the iPhone 17 series in September, so we will find out if and why the company returns to aluminum in a few more months.

Article Link: iPhone 17 Pro to Reverse iPhone X Design Decision

 

[Jordan Klein]

Does that mean the non-pro iPhones are going to be plastic?

 

[dustin_]

curious how apple plans to spin this “downgrade”

 

[michsu]

Don't tell me that's going to be another "feature" for the new phones when announced... compared to things Huawei and Xiaomi are doing..

 

[xsdeus]

Aluminum is lighter than titanium, but it is not entirely clear why Apple is allegedly shifting back to the material. It could be that aluminum simply has better properties for the iPhone 17 Pro's rumored new design with a larger rear camera bump.

I know why... aluminum is also cheaper than titanium lol

 

[turbineseaplane]

curious how apple plans to spin this “downgrade”

"Liquid Aluminum" with a Neural Fusion Super Retina co-processor powering the Photonic Deep Fusion Spatial Pro camera system...

"Built for Apple Intelligence*"

*for reelz this time



The Apple BS knows no bounds.

 

[BelgianChoklit]

That's quite disappointing. I never really liked the stainless steel ones, but I love the titanium on my 15 Pro.

 

[Plutonius]

curious how apple plans to spin this “downgrade”

For the most part. they don't have to.

People will still buy.

 

[Yimbaz]

Great. It was a heavier material for no benefit beyond looking fancy. Excited to see a lighter Pro phone.

 

[jason4427]

curious how apple plans to spin this “downgrade”

That is easy. It will be lighter and I welcome that.

 

[winxmac]

If all iPhone models are going to have aluminum body moving forward, it's going to be an end of an era.

It's weird that Lightning lasted longer than a stainless steel/titanium iPhone design.

 

[kalafalas]

Good, I’m happy for this change. I hated the move to stainless, it was way too heavy, but at least the polish looked nice. The titanium was a step in the right direction, but I’m happy to go back to aluminum.

 

[xmarcuswildx]

Google placed on speed dial….

 

[Gathomblipoob]

curious how apple plans to spin this “downgrade”

"We think you're going to love it. Again."

 

[the future]

The steel phones just got too heavy. Titanium was fine, but aluminium is even lighter, so I for one am glad that the Pros go back to that.

 

[AppleSOS]

curious how apple plans to spin this “downgrade”

It's lighter, better for the environment, and more durable.

That's what they said last time at least with the G4 Powerbooks. I would assume they will again focus on the environmental impact.

Been expecting this since they announced they were going back to titanium...

 

[GrassShark]

Not sure why people think this is a downgrade? The Pro phones were too heavy, lighter material is an upgrade.

 

[Jimmy Bubbles]

Although lighter, aluminum is softer. Have fun dropping your phones!

 

[turbineseaplane]

It's lighter, better for the environment, and more durable.

That's what they said last time at least with the G4 Powerbooks. I would assume they will again focus on the environmental impact.

Been expecting this since they announced they were going back to titanium...

Yes!!
Good call, I agree with your prediction

 

[TechRunner]

Returning to aluminum is the first step in the eventual transition to transparent aluminum. (IYKYK)

 

[citysnaps]

curious how apple plans to spin this “downgrade”

I'm curious how many people will now complain that the phone with a larger bump doesn't rock any more on a table. And therefore TC needs to be fired.

 

[I/0]

It will be such a downgrade, anyone who has used their iPhone caseless knows the difference, you drop a stainless steel/titanium iPhone and the metal gets scuffed at most while aluminum dents and deforms significantly in comparison.

Worst of it is that it’s most like going to be more expensive for a worse build quality.

 

[Apple Knowledge Navigator]

Cheaper, lighter, more recyclable, and frankly I doubt many people buy into the ‘premium’ material as an advantage. Seems like a positive move.

And I don’t know about other Pro owners, but the titanium on my 15 gets dinged and chipped more easily than the aluminium.

 

[coffeemilktea]

I'm just glad to have a lighter phone 😮‍💨

 

[turbineseaplane]

you drop a stainless steel/titanium iPhone and the metal gets scuffed at most while aluminum dents and deforms significantly in comparison.

This would be my concern as well.
The dents happen even if your phone is in a case.