Photograph: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac
Apple could completely use a titanium body on the upcoming iPhone 17 Air. Different members of the iPhone 17 household will seemingly characteristic an aluminum chassis.
The prediction comes from GF Securities analyst Jeff Pu.
iPhone 17 Air may take a special route than its siblings
Apple presently makes use of a titanium chassis on its Professional iPhones. Aside from being extra sturdy than aluminum, the titanium edges really feel extra premium. However for its 2025 iPhone lineup, Apple will seemingly ditch the titanium and return to aluminium.
Whereas titanium is denser and stronger than aluminium, it does have some disadvantages. Moreover being costlier, it’s tough and costly to supply titanium in additional colours, because it doesn’t settle for shade coating simply. This additionally explains rumors of the iPhone 17 Professional coming in 5 colours this 12 months.
For the 2025 iPhone 17 Professional lineup, Jeff Pu believes Apple will use aluminum frames, reiterating his declare from Could 2024. The iPhone 17 Air would be the solely outlier, utilizing a titanium body. It’s unclear why the corporate will supposedly follow titanium on solely a single mannequin. Like on the iPhone 16 Professional fashions, Apple will probably use a mixture of titanium and aluminum for value causes.
iPhone 17 Professional’s swap to aluminium could possibly be a downgrade
Because the 2017 iPhone X, Apple has used chrome steel and, later, titanium frames on its Professional iPhones. So, switching to aluminum for the 2025 Professional fashions can be a step again when it comes to sturdiness, end, and perceived premium really feel.
It could be odd for Apple to make use of aluminum on its costlier iPhones whereas equipping the cheaper iPhone 17 Air with a titanium body. The corporate is likely to be switching to aluminum because of the rumored design adjustments within the iPhone 17 Professional lineup. Price may also be one other issue, as an aluminum body will present important financial savings.
Supply: MacRumors