The iPhone 17 Pro is once again rumored to feature an aluminum chassis, with a new rumor from a reliable leaker suggesting that Apple will replace the titanium alloy it introduced in 2023.
Apple's "Awe Dropping" iPhone launch event is less than a week away, and leakers are rushing to provide last-minute details about the iPhone 17 range. According to a repeat rumor, reiterated on Friday, Apple has ditched titanium in favor of an aluminum chassis on the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max.
Bloomberg calls the change a "reversal." In reality, the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro feature frames made of Grade 5 titanium, while the iPhone 14 Pro and earlier Pro models used stainless steel for the chassis.
This is not the first time we've heard of an all-aluminum design for the iPhone 17 Pro midframe. Rumors of an aluminum chassis have been floating around since at least November 2024, with another leaker echoing the claims in February 2025.
The fact that multiple sources have reported on this change means it's more likely to be true than not, especially with this rumor hitting so late.
Materiel differences between aluminum and titanium alter possible color options. Without delving into the physics of coloring metals, the rumored orange shade is more likely with an aluminum frame, than it is with a titanium one.
Still, there are explanations for a shift toward aluminum that don't involve aesthetics alone.
An aluminum frame could make the iPhone 17 Pro Max lighter and cooler under load. Titanium is a better material for rigid frames.
Reduced weight, relative to the iPhone 16 Pro, is another potential benefit of having an aluminum frame on the iPhone 17 Pro.
Apple may have opted for aluminum as a way of reducing production costs as well. The metal is cheaper to source and machine than titanium.
And, supplies may be an issue. Russia is a main supplier of titanium. The war with Ukraine is still ongoing, and so are economic sanctions.
Furthermore, the change may have to do with Apple's ongoing interest in carbon neutrality. The company has committed to a 100% carbon-neutral footprint by 2030, with products such as the M4 Mac mini marketed as the company's first "carbon-neutral Mac."
Aluminum's carbon footprint per phone is lesser than that of a titianum one.
Although Apple has repeatedly received criticism for its endeavors dealing with climate change, the iPhone 17 range could be marketed in more or less the same way, establishing a clear pattern and outlining the company's priorities in the process.
Whatever the reason may be, we'll see if this rumor is true soon enough. The iPhone 17 range is set to debut at Apple's "Awe Dropping" event on September 9, 2025.
