Bloomberg has called this a “reversal.” The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro used Grade 5 titanium frames, while earlier Pro models such as the iPhone 14 Pro used stainless steel. The return to aluminum evokes memories of earlier non-Pro iPhones and has drawn widespread attention.

Rumors of this change first surfaced in November 2024, then resurfaced in February 2025. The fact that multiple independent sources are repeating it so close to launch has made the tech community believe it’s highly likely to be true.

Beyond aesthetics, the switch from titanium to aluminum also impacts color options. Analysts believe the rumored orange edition of the iPhone 17 Pro, said to be a standout variant, would be easier to achieve using an aluminum frame instead of titanium.

Why is Apple giving up on titanium?

From a technical standpoint, titanium offers superior strength and durability - ideal for structural frames. However, it also adds more weight and retains more heat under heavy usage. Switching to aluminum could result in a lighter, cooler iPhone 17 Pro Max compared to its predecessor.

With the launch imminent, industry experts are asking whether Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 will overshadow competitors like Samsung, Xiaomi, and Huawei.

Another reason could be cost. Aluminum is cheaper, easier to source and machine than titanium, potentially helping Apple cut manufacturing expenses amid global component price volatility.

Titanium supply issues also play a role. Russia, a major global titanium supplier, has seen its exports affected by the Ukraine conflict and international sanctions - possibly pushing Apple toward more sustainable alternatives.

Apple is also doubling down on its commitment to carbon neutrality by 2030. The company recently touted the Mac mini M4 as its first carbon-neutral Mac. In that context, using aluminum - with a lower carbon footprint than titanium - would help reinforce Apple’s eco-friendly image, despite ongoing debates about the sincerity of its environmental pledges.

Design freedom vs. durability

While aluminum lacks titanium’s strength, it unlocks greater design flexibility - allowing for vibrant colors and new surface finishes. For example, the rumored bold orange version of the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max is easier to produce with aluminum.

Rumored design and performance upgrades could make the iPhone 17 Pro Max a bigger leap than usual, redefining what Apple’s flagship can do.

From a user experience perspective, a lighter iPhone is a welcome change. The Pro Max models have often been criticized for their weight, and this shift could enhance comfort without compromising display size.

But the key question is: Is this a long-term strategy or a temporary compromise driven by cost and supply challenges? For a company as product-focused as Apple, changing frame materials three times in a few years - stainless steel to titanium to aluminum - suggests it's responding to pressure from market dynamics, geopolitics, and environmental policy.

That said, the move also reflects a practical priority: improving user experience, controlling costs, and aligning with sustainability trends. While controversial, the decision still aligns with Apple’s philosophy of balancing performance with responsibility.

Whatever the real motivation - whether design, cost, supply, or climate - the official answer will be revealed soon. On September 9 (September 10, Vietnam time), Apple will host its “Awe Dropping” event, where the world will watch closely.

If the leaks are accurate, the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max won’t just mark a design shift but signal Apple’s evolving priorities: lighter form factors, better efficiency, and sustainable materials.

Still, the real test lies ahead: Will users embrace this change, or long for the premium feel of “high-end titanium”? That’s the challenge facing Tim Cook and his team.

Hai Phong