Apple could replace aluminum with titanium again in future iPhones, leak suggests

Last year, the iPhone 17 Pro switched from titanium to an aluminum-based design. But according to Weibo leaker Instant Digital, Apple is currently exploring an upgraded version of titanium for future iPhone models.

Apple working on improved titanium for future iPhones, leaker claims

In 2023, Apple launched titanium as a unique design feature of its iPhone Pro models. For two years, titanium was considered a high-end element.

But with the iPhone 17 Pro, Apple changed direction and replaced titanium. He chose to revert to aluminum, with heat dissipation being one reason given.

According to a new article from Instant Digital, Apple is already exploring ways to ditch aluminum again in the future. One possibility is liquid metal, which could be deployed in the hinge of the iPhone Ultra. However, it is “extremely difficult” to mass produce, according to the leaker.

According to the post, a potentially more likely solution would be for Apple to revisit Titanium with an “improved version.” Excerpt from the translated message:

I’ve already mentioned that Apple prides itself on using titanium in its phones and that using aluminum in the 17 Pro was a forced compromise. That’s right, so Apple hasn’t abandoned titanium and seems to be looking for 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 of the details yet, but I suspect Apple will return to titanium once the new formula matures.

Apple currently uses titanium in the iPhone Air and is said to do so in the iPhone Ultra as well. This is likely due to its durability benefits, a key trait of 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 iPhone Pro models, or are you OK with aluminum? Let us know in the comments.

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