According to Apple analyst Jeff Pu, the upcoming iPhone 17 Air is expected to feature a titanium frame. In a recent investor note with GF Securities, Pu mentioned that the other models in the iPhone 17 lineup—the standard iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max—will utilize aluminum frames. This makes the iPhone 17 Air the sole model to incorporate titanium. The choice of titanium for the iPhone 17 Air raises some questions, especially since aluminum is lighter, which aligns with the device’s anticipated ultra-thin and lightweight design.
Despite being heavier, titanium is known for its strength, which might be crucial for maintaining the durability of the iPhone 17 Air’s slender chassis. Previously, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggested that the frame of the iPhone 17 Air could include both titanium and aluminum, hinting at a hybrid approach. Apple will likely clarify its material choices in the upcoming iPhone 17 event scheduled for September. Notably, since the introduction of the iPhone X in 2017, Apple’s top-tier iPhone models have predominantly featured either stainless steel or titanium frames.
The return to an aluminum frame for the iPhone 17 Pro models signifies a significant shift in Apple’s design strategy. In summary, here are the expected frame materials for the new models:
– iPhone 17: Aluminum frame
– iPhone 17 Air: Titanium frame
– iPhone 17 Pro: Aluminum frame
– iPhone 17 Pro Max: Aluminum frame
This marks a departure from the iPhone 16 lineup, which had varying materials used for each model. As the launch approaches, more details will likely emerge regarding these design choices.
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