Apple is reportedly set to use aluminum frames for three out of four iPhone 17 models, including the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, according to an investor note from GF Securities shared by MacRumors. The rumored iPhone 17 Air model is expected to feature a titanium frame.
Apple to use aluminum frames for iPhone 17 models
This shift back to aluminum for the Pro models marks a significant change, as the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro models both utilized titanium frames, contributing to a lighter build compared to the heavier stainless steel frames of the iPhone 14 Pro.
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Apple analyst Jeff Pu stated that the decision to utilize aluminum aligns with the company’s environmental goals, as aluminum has a lower carbon footprint than titanium. Apple aims to achieve carbon neutrality across its entire product line and supply chain by 2030. Some iPhone 17 models may even be marketed as Apple’s first carbon-neutral iPhones, following similar efforts seen with the Apple Watch and the latest Mac mini.
The inclusion of a titanium frame in the iPhone 17 Air poses questions, as aluminum would typically be more fitting for the device’s light design. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo indicated that the iPhone 17 Air’s frame could feature a combination of titanium and aluminum, albeit with less titanium than the iPhone 15 Pro models.
Recent renders have surfaced showing the anticipated designs of the iPhone 17 Air and iPhone 17 Pro, each showcasing unique camera island designs. The iPhone 17 Air features a single rear camera with a visor design reminiscent of earlier Google Pixel devices, whereas the iPhone 17 Pro’s design is inspired by the Poco X6 and Poco X6 Pro.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is predicted to be a scaled-up version of the iPhone 17 Pro. In contrast, initial reports suggest that the standard iPhone 17 will retain the design of the iPhone 16, lacking any novel camera island style. This information comes from the same source that revealed the design of the iPhone 17 Air.
Despite its unchanged appearance, the iPhone 17 is expected to feature a 120 Hz refresh rate screen, according to previous rumors.
Featured image credit: Tyler Lastovich/Unsplash
