Apple is making a significant change in its material choices for the iPhone 17 series. It has been revealed that the company will use titanium only for the iPhone 17 Air this year. Two years ago, Apple introduced a titanium design with the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models, and retained this material for the iPhone 16 Pro series. However, it is reported that the Pro models in the new series will abandon titanium in favor of a blend of glass and aluminum.

iPhone 17 Air to Be Available in Titanium

It is unclear why the iPhone 17 Air will feature a titanium casing specifically. Although aluminum is a lighter material than titanium, this advantage may have been chosen if the goal was an ultra-thin and lightweight design.

Furthermore, titanium’s greater durability compared to aluminum provides a compelling argument for the iPhone 17 Air’s structural strength despite its thinner build. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple could also use a hybrid casing combining both materials for this model.

Since the iPhone X launched in 2017, Apple has favored stainless steel or titanium for its premium models. The switch to aluminum for the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max signals a shift in this habit. This change represents a significant shift, particularly for users who expect durability and a premium feel.

In the iPhone 16 series introduced last year, the base models, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, featured aluminum casings. The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max used titanium. This balance is completely shifting in the new series. The titanium casing is now exclusive to the Air model, and the Pro segment is shifting to what could be considered a step back in material quality.

This strategic shift by Apple stands out as a step toward creating a sharper distinction within its product line. The positioning of the iPhone 17 Air demonstrates its unique position within the series, both in terms of technical specifications and design details.