Next year's iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are expected to retain titanium as their frame material, just like the current Pro models, despite recent reports that Apple may switch to aluminum for the 2025 models.
This information comes from a Weibo user known by the nickname “Instant Digital”.
Read more: Will the iPhone 17 not have an upgraded processor?
Last month, Wayne Ma of The Information reported that the two top-of-the-line iPhone 17 Pro models could be the first high-end iPhones to use an aluminum frame, a return to that material since Apple split the lineup into Pro and non-Pro models. Prior to the iPhone 15 Pro, premium iPhone had a stainless steel frame, until the recent switch to titanium, which was presented as a significant upgrade.
However, according to the leaker, Apple plans to use aluminum for all of its iPhone 17 devices, along with a revolutionary new design that includes an aluminum top on the back and a rectangular camera bump, instead of the traditional 3D glass. The bottom will remain glass to maintain wireless charging support.
However, Instant Digital strongly disagrees. In a post on Weibo, it commented: “The iPhone 17 Pro will continue to use titanium. Why would we believe that Apple will switch to aluminum? Think about it — it’s not likely. Apple has repeatedly emphasized the use of premium materials in its Pro models, from ‘surgical-grade stainless steel’ to titanium. If they were to return to aluminum, how would they promote it?”
See also: "iPhone 17 Air" features revealed
It's unclear whether Instant Digital is basing its claims on supply chain information. Still, its argument remains weak as a stand-alone statement. On the other hand, Apple has a history of introducing new features and then retiring them in later models. For example, in 2015, it introduced 3D Touch with the iPhone 6s, which enabled pressure-sensitive gestures. Despite its initial innovation, 3D Touch was retired in 2019 with the iPhone 11.
Instant Digital has a mixed track record of accuracy when it comes to Apple product rumors, though it has made some accurate predictions. These include a Yellow iPhone 14 launching in 2023, a matte glass back for the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, a minor upgrade to the Apple Watch Series 9, spatial video support for the iPhone 15 Pro, the addition of a landscape-oriented camera to the iPad Air and iPad Pro, and a nano-texture display option for the iPad Pro.
Read more: See the new colors of the Apple iPhone 17 Pro!
The iPhone 17 series is expected to make its appearance in the fall, as usual, with rumored upgrades such as new screen sizes, ultra-thin design, ProMotion displays on all models, and more.
Source: macrumors
