GoKawiilLast year, iPhone 17 Pro switched from titanium to an aluminum-based design instead. But according to Weibo leaker Instant Digital, Apple is now exploring an improved version of titanium for future iPhone models.
Apple working on improved titanium for future iPhones, per leaker
In 2023, Apple debuted titanium as a unique design trait of its iPhone Pro models. For two years, titanium was seen as a premium feature.
But with iPhone 17 Pro, Apple changed direction and replaced titanium. It opted to return to aluminum, with heat dissipation a touted reason.
According to a new post from Instant Digital, Apple is already exploring ways to switch away from aluminum again in the future. One possibility is liquid metal, which might be deployed in the iPhone Ultra’s hinge. However, it’s “extremely difficult” to mass-produce per the leaker.
A potentially more likely solution, the post says, is that Apple might revisit titanium with an “improved version.” From the translated post:
I’ve previously mentioned that Apple is proud to use titanium in its phones, and the use of aluminum in the 17 Pro was a forced compromise. This is true, so Apple hasn’t abandoned titanium and seems to be researching an improved version. The goal is to address the poor thermal conductivity of titanium alloy while reducing weight while maintaining the same volume. I’m not entirely sure about the specifics yet, but I believe Apple will return to titanium once the new formula is mature.
Apple currently uses titanium in the iPhone Air, and will reportedly do so in iPhone Ultra too. That’s likely for its durability benefits, a key trait in ultra-thin models.
Perhaps if Apple’s future vapor chambers can make a big enough difference in heat dissipation, then the company can return to titanium in future Pro models with only modest thermal gains.
Do you want titanium to return to Apple’s Pro model iPhones, or are you fine with aluminum? Let us know in the comments.
... continue reading