Apple shocks: iPhone 17 Pro Max may "downgrade" from titanium to aluminum

The iPhone 17 launch event is less than a week away, but leaks about the product line are still pouring in, causing the tech community to keep talking. One of the most notable points is the possibility that Apple will remove the titanium frame introduced in 2023, replacing it with an aluminum frame on both the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. This information was confirmed by Bloomberg from a reputable leak source, calling it a remarkable reversal, because in the last four generations of iPhone, Apple has continuously changed the frame material from stainless steel to titanium and now back to aluminum.

This change raises many questions. Is this a step backward in technology, or a wise strategy to balance cost, performance and user experience? Why did Apple decide to abandon the material that was once widely promoted as a symbol of luxury? And finally, will users accept the iPhone Pro with an aluminum frame after getting used to the strong, durable image of titanium? To find the answer, let's find out with SaDesign through the article below!

1. Why did Apple abandon titanium?

Titanium was once considered by Apple to be a breakthrough in iPhone hardware design. When the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max were launched, Apple emphasized that grade 5 titanium has outstanding advantages in terms of durability, lighter weight than stainless steel, and creates a luxurious feel. The use of titanium also fits the classy message that the Pro line aims for, making the iPhone a tool that is not only powerful in performance but also highly symbolic.

However, behind the praise, titanium also reveals its limitations. Technically, titanium is strong but has poor thermal conductivity. This means that the device tends to heat up faster when handling heavy tasks such as recording 4K video, playing high-graphics games or connecting to 5G networks continuously. During the time the iPhone 15 Pro Max was first launched, users complained a lot about overheating. Although Apple has improved software and power management, the nature of the titanium material is still considered an indirect cause.

Titanium is also not ideal for mass production. Mining and refining titanium is complex, energy-intensive, and more expensive than aluminum. Aluminum is a common metal that is easy to work with, easy to recycle, and more plentiful. With tens of millions of iPhone Pros being produced each year, maintaining titanium means high production costs, and with global component prices fluctuating, it is not a safe bet.

Another factor Apple is considering is the supply chain. Russia is one of the world’s largest producers of titanium. The conflict in Ukraine and sanctions have made the supply of titanium unstable. For Apple, which is known for optimizing its global supply chain, relying on a material that is difficult to control could pose a serious risk. Even a small change could delay the production of millions of iPhones, directly affecting revenue and reputation.

Beyond the technical and supply chain aspects, the environmental factor cannot be ignored. Apple has long been pursuing the goal of being carbon neutral by 2030. The company has heavily promoted this effort through products such as the Mac mini M4, the first Mac computer to be certified carbon neutral. Choosing aluminum over titanium is important in that strategy. Aluminum is easier to recycle, can be produced using a “green aluminum” method that emits less emissions, and contributes to reducing the carbon footprint. It is not just a matter of cost, but also a matter of branding. Apple wants to maintain its image as a pioneering technology company in environmental protection, and the decision to return to aluminum is completely in line with this commitment.

The decision to abandon titanium is not necessarily a step backward. It is a decision that is driven by many factors: engineering, economics, the environment, and the supply chain. Apple is known for its pragmatism and ability to pivot quickly when necessary. In the current context, aluminum seems a much more sensible choice than titanium, despite the fact that it may be perceived as less premium.

2. Aesthetics and practicality

While titanium offers a luxurious look and a sturdy feel, aluminum opens up many new design possibilities. This is an important factor that Apple always focuses on in its product philosophy.

With titanium, the color options are quite limited. Recent generations of iPhone Pro often have dark colors, tending towards luxury and seriousness. Meanwhile, aluminum allows for easy creation of more youthful and outstanding color tones. Rumors that the iPhone 17 Pro will have an additional orange color have excited the community, because it promises to bring more innovation and personality to the product line that is often associated with seriousness. If this becomes true, aluminum will be a powerful supporting material, helping Apple expand the customer base of the Pro line, not only targeting professional users but also young people who want to express their personality through phone design.

Beyond aesthetics, the real-world experience is also something Apple cannot ignore. The Pro Max models have long been criticized for their heavy weight, making them difficult to use with one hand and causing fatigue when held for long periods of time. Titanium makes the iPhone lighter than steel, but it still doesn't completely solve the problem. Aluminum, on the other hand, has the potential to reduce weight significantly. A lighter iPhone Pro Max would significantly improve the feel of the phone and make a noticeable difference in the day-to-day experience. This is an advantage that users can immediately feel, and is even more important than maintaining a titanium frame that is only symbolic.

However, this decision also raises questions about Apple's long-term strategy. Does the company really want to stick with aluminum for the long term, or is this just a temporary solution to overcome difficulties in cost and titanium supply? Apple is known for being a steadfast company, rarely making continuous changes in design. However, in just four generations, the iPhone Pro has gone through three different frame materials: stainless steel, titanium, and aluminum. This reflects that Apple is facing unprecedented pressure, from the market, from global politics to environmental commitments.

On the bright side, though, Apple’s flexibility in material choices also shows that it is pragmatic. The company is not afraid to abandon a much-hyped technology if it no longer fits the reality. It is important for Apple not to maintain a fixed image but to constantly optimize to achieve a balance between performance, aesthetics, cost and sustainability.

Looking back, this isn’t the first time Apple has made a bold decision about materials. Years ago, Apple caused controversy when it abandoned the unibody aluminum on the MacBook Pro in favor of a new, thinner and lighter design, or when it removed the 3.5mm headphone jack on the iPhone. Initially, these changes caused mixed reactions, but in the long run, they created a trend that the entire industry had to follow. Therefore, it is not impossible that the decision to use aluminum for the iPhone Pro will become the new standard, opening up a new design phase for high-end smartphones.

3. Conclusion

The change in chassis material on the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will certainly be controversial. For some, it’s a step backwards, as titanium has long been seen as a symbol of premiumness and durability. But for others, aluminum offers a more practical experience, from its light weight, better heat dissipation, to its color options. More importantly, it reflects Apple’s current priorities: optimizing the user experience, reducing manufacturing risk, and reinforcing its environmental commitment.

When the “Awe Dropping” event takes place on September 9, the world will see the official answer. The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max could mark a turning point, not only in design but also in the philosophy that Apple wants to convey. A lighter, cooler, more colorful and more environmentally friendly iPhone may not bring the luxury of titanium, but it is more in line with global consumer trends.

The ultimate question remains whether consumers will accept this change. For Apple, which has a history of making controversial decisions the norm, this will be a major test for Tim Cook and his leadership team. But if history repeats itself, it’s possible that in a few years we’ll take the aluminum frame on the iPhone Pro for granted, just as the world accepted thinner MacBooks and iPhones without headphone jacks.