Apple is preparing to unveil the iPhone 17 lineup at its “Awe dropping” event on September 9, and one of the more surprising late rumors suggests a major design shift for the Pro models. After two years of titanium, the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are now expected to use aluminum frames instead, reversing what had once been promoted as a premium upgrade.
Titanium was first introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro in 2023, replacing the stainless steel frames of earlier Pro models, and the same approach carried into last year’s iPhone 16 Pro. While titanium gave the devices a strong, high-end feel, reports for months have pointed to Apple experimenting with aluminum once again. Now, with repeated claims surfacing in the week before launch, the change looks increasingly likely.
The most obvious reason for a switch comes down to weight and heat management. Aluminum is significantly lighter than titanium and is better at dispersing heat. These differences could be critical this year as the Pro Max model is rumored to gain a larger battery, which would otherwise add more heft. At the same time, new AI-powered Apple Intelligence features and advanced camera systems in iOS 26 will push devices harder, making improved cooling all the more important.
Apple’s environmental strategy may also play a role. The company has set 2030 as its goal for achieving carbon neutrality, and aluminum generally carries a smaller environmental impact than titanium when scaled to mass production. Cost and supply security cannot be overlooked either, as aluminum is easier to source and less affected by geopolitical constraints than titanium.
The material swap could even influence how the devices look. Aluminum offers more flexibility in applying colors compared to titanium, and recent leaks have pointed to a potential orange finish exclusive to the iPhone 17 Pro line. If accurate, this would mark the first time Apple has leaned on aluminum to expand its design palette in the Pro range.
Taken together, the reasons for this move make aluminum seem like the practical choice for Apple’s upcoming Pro devices. It reduces weight, improves thermal performance, supports new colors, and ties into environmental goals. The iPhone 17 lineup will be officially unveiled on September 9, when we will see if Apple has indeed abandoned titanium in favor of aluminum.
(via Bloomberg)
