As Apple gears up for the launch of its iPhone 17 Pro Max lineup this fall, one of the most anticipated questions revolves around the device’s frame material.

Following the buzz around the ultra-durable titanium frame used on the iPhone 15 Pro and 16 Pro Max, recent leaks suggest Apple might shift to an ultra-light aluminum alloy for the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro Max.

Will Apple stick with its titanium strategy - highlighting luxury and durability - or surprise users with a switch to aluminum for the sake of weight and practicality?

From stainless steel to titanium to aluminum

For years, Apple was loyal to stainless steel for its Pro models, beginning with the iPhone X. The material delivered a premium and sturdy feel, but significantly increased the device’s weight.

In 2023, Apple replaced it with Grade 5 titanium for the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max - a material commonly used in aerospace applications.

As a result, the device’s weight was reduced by 19 grams compared to the iPhone 14 Pro Max. While the difference may seem minimal, the real-world handling experience was noticeably improved, offering greater comfort during extended use.

Titanium also offers better corrosion resistance and is more durable than steel. However, its high production cost and machining challenges forced Apple to adopt a hybrid approach: compressing a titanium shell around an aluminum core.

According to a June report from The Information, Apple is now considering a new type of aluminum alloy, marketed as "ultra-light yet durable", aimed at further reducing the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s weight.

Supply chain sources from Taiwan (China) claim Foxconn began trial production using this material in late 2024. If successful, the iPhone 17 Pro Max could become the first Pro model in years to return to aluminum - albeit a vastly improved version unlike that seen on the iPhone 6 or 7.

Still, some analysts, including Ming-Chi Kuo of TF International Securities, believe Apple will stick with titanium.

“Apple has made significant investments in titanium production lines for the iPhone 15 Pro and 16 Pro Max. An immediate switch to aluminum would disrupt the premium branding strategy Apple has been building,” Kuo stated.

Apple’s strategy: brand identity or practicality?

Aluminum is approximately 30–40% lighter than titanium. If the iPhone 17 Pro Max uses ultra-light aluminum, its weight could drop below 200 grams, down from the current 220–221 grams.

However, when it comes to durability and scratch resistance, titanium is harder and more robust than aluminum, which is more prone to dents and scratches under heavy impact. Apple could counteract this with anodizing or nano-ceramic coating techniques.

Titanium offers a matte, premium finish that resists fingerprints and conveys luxury. In contrast, aluminum is generally seen as more mainstream, associated with regular iPhone models or MacBooks.

Titanium’s high cost and machining difficulty also make the Pro models more expensive to produce. Aluminum, being cheaper and easier to mass-produce, could help Apple maintain pricing or even improve profit margins.

Yet the issue goes beyond engineering - it's also a branding and user experience decision.

Apple has positioned its Pro line as the pinnacle of its smartphone offerings, with differentiation in materials (titanium), display, camera, and chipsets. If it switches to aluminum, Apple will have to convince consumers that this new alloy still represents luxury.

Analyst Ben Bajarin from Creative Strategies commented, “Apple might choose ultra-light aluminum to enhance user experience. But from a brand perspective, titanium has added a unique identity to the Pro line. A sudden change could be confusing.”

Conversely, sticking with titanium also carries risks. Though the weight has decreased, it’s not exactly “ultra-light” as users hoped. With competitors like the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and Google Pixel 10 Pro XL promoting more streamlined designs, Apple may need a bold move to stay ahead.

From the user perspective, a poll conducted by 9to5Mac with over 10,000 participants found that 62% preferred a lighter iPhone for long-term use, 28% favored the durability and premium feel, and 10% focused only on price and performance, regardless of frame material.

This suggests that most users want lighter devices - a factor that may prompt Apple to test aluminum. However, the Pro line’s loyal base tends to value titanium for its exclusivity and superior durability.

Hence, analysts have outlined three possible scenarios:

First, Apple maintains titanium for the Pro line - the most likely outcome, aligning with its premium strategy.

Second, Apple shifts to ultra-light aluminum - a move that would only happen if the new alloy is proven to uphold Apple’s luxury image.

And third, a hybrid approach using titanium on the exterior for a luxurious look and aluminum internally to cut weight. This would mirror the structure seen in the iPhone 15 Pro’s titanium shell over an aluminum core.

The frame material of the iPhone 17 Pro Max isn’t just a technical detail - it represents a strategic decision affecting branding, user experience, and business positioning.

If Apple sticks with titanium, it reinforces the Pro line’s image of durability and prestige. If it opts for ultra-light aluminum, it emphasizes comfort and practicality, potentially signaling a new era in design.

At this stage, no official announcements have been made. But one thing is clear: the frame material of the iPhone 17 Pro Max will be a key factor shaping its appeal and Apple’s edge in the high-end smartphone race of 2025.

Hai Phong