iPhone 17 Pro to Replace Titanium With Aluminum Frame [Rumor]

A new report from leaker Digital Chat Station on Weibo claims Apple is planning to switch back to an aluminum frame for its upcoming iPhone 17 Pro models, a move that would replace the titanium used in the current generation.

The leaker says the change is to better accommodate a new structural design. Aluminum is reportedly easier to color and process, and can better coordinate with internal modules like the heat dissipation layer and communication antennas. This aligns with other recent rumors suggesting the iPhone 17 Pro will feature a large horizontal camera bar and a new vapor chamber cooling system.

The post also claims the aluminum frame on the iPhone 17 Pro will be "particularly thin," making the bezels "almost invisible" from the front. This detail lines up with other reports that Apple is working on a bezel-free display for a future iPhone using advanced LIPO technology.


This isn't the first we've heard of this material change. A forecast from analyst Jeff Pu earlier this year also predicted that the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max would use an aluminum frame. The switch would be a notable departure for Apple's high-end models, which have been marketed with premium materials like surgical-grade stainless steel and, more recently, titanium.

Apple is expected to unveil its iPhone 17 lineup this fall. Please download the iClarified app or follow iClarified on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and RSS for more updates.