Picture: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac
Apple could solely 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 at present 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. In addition to being costlier, it’s tough and costly to supply titanium in additional colours, because it doesn’t settle for colour 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 Might 2024. The iPhone 17 Air would be the solely outlier, utilizing a titanium body. It’s unclear why the corporate will supposedly persist with titanium on solely a single mannequin. Like on the iPhone 16 Professional fashions, Apple will seemingly use a mixture of titanium and aluminum for value causes.
iPhone 17 Professional’s change to aluminium could possibly be a downgrade
For the reason that 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 by way of sturdiness, end, and perceived premium really feel.
It will 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 modifications within the iPhone 17 Professional lineup. Price may also be one other issue, as an aluminum body will present important financial savings.
Supply: MacRumors
