Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro May Drop Titanium for Aluminum — Here’s Why

Among the many rumors surrounding Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 lineup, one stands out: Apple is reportedly replacing titanium with aluminum in the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max.

According to a Bloomberg report cited by 9to5Mac, the aluminum design could bring two major benefits. First, aluminum is lighter, reducing the overall weight of the Pro models. Second, it offers significantly better heat dissipation, an area where titanium has struggled.

Apple first introduced titanium with the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max two years ago, marketing it as a luxury material. But users reported occasional overheating issues, a problem Apple only partially addressed with the iPhone 16 Pro series.

This year, Apple faces additional pressure: the iPhone 17 Air, a super-thin and lightweight model, will launch alongside the Pro models. By cutting the weight of the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, Apple narrows the gap between the premium Pro devices and the slim Air.

There’s also a practical reason. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to ship with a larger battery, which would add more weight if titanium were used again. Aluminum helps offset that.

Apple is set to officially unveil the iPhone 17 lineup on September 9, including the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max.