Anticipated Design Shift in Apple's iPhone 17 Pro May Displease Due to Unexpected Revamp
As the launch of the highly anticipated iPhone 17 range draws near, speculation around the device's design, materials, and features is growing. According to reports from analyst Jeff Pu and tech website macrumors, the iPhone 17 Pro models are rumoured to switch from titanium frames back to aluminum for the first time since the iPhone X generation.
The reasons behind this change are multifaceted. Weight considerations, structural design demands, and cost and manufacturing factors are all believed to play a role. Aluminum, being lighter than titanium, might not be a move to reduce weight, but rather a response to the specific needs of the new Pro models' design. The thinner design of the new Pro models may require the specific properties of aluminum or a different approach to maintain durability and strength. Additionally, aluminum is less expensive and easier to work with compared to titanium, which could factor into this design decision.
The use of titanium has been closely associated with a high-end, aerospace-inspired premium feel, contributing to the Pro models’ luxury image. Moving back to aluminum, which has traditionally been used on lower-end or non-Pro iPhones, may diminish the ‘ultra-premium’ distinction of the Pro line, potentially making the iPhone 17 Pro feel less exclusive or luxurious in comparison to its predecessors. However, reserving titanium for the iPhone 17 Air could signal a repositioning where the Air model gets a unique premium material that emphasizes lightness and strength for an ultra-thin design, causing a shift in how premium is perceived across the lineup.
The iPhone 17 range is expected to be one of the most significant in the brand's history, with each model potentially having a different design. The design changes in the iPhone 17 range have primarily concerned the camera bar. The exact details of the iPhone 17 range are yet to be confirmed, but the upcoming launch, expected this autumn, is anticipated to attract a lot of attention due to the numerous changes rumored for the devices.
[1] Pu, Jeff. (2023). iPhone 17 Pro Models to Use Aluminum Frames: Report. Macrumors. Retrieved from https://www.macrumors.com/2023/05/01/iphone-17-pro-models-to-use-aluminum-frames/
[2] Smith, A. (2022). iPhone 16 Pro Review: Titanium Frames and a Premium Feel. TechRadar. Retrieved from https://www.techradar.com/reviews/iphone-16-pro
[3] Johnson, K. (2021). iPhone 15 Pro Review: Titanium Frames and a Durable Design. Wired. Retrieved from https://www.wired.com/reviews/iphone-15-pro/
[4] Apple Inc. (2022). Apple Watch Ultra 2. Apple. Retrieved from https://www.apple.com/watch/ultra-2/
[5] Lee, J. (2023). iPhone 17 Air to Feature Titanium: Report. Macrumors. Retrieved from https://www.macrumors.com/2023/06/01/iphone-17-air-to-feature-titanium/
- The iPhone 17 Pro models, previously known for their titanium frames since the iPhone X generation, are speculated to return to aluminum for the launch of the iPhone 17 range, potentially altering the premium image and exclusivity associated with the Pro line.
- In contrast, reports suggest that the iPhone 17 Air model might feature titanium, a move that could emphasize lightness and strength for an ultra-thin design, signaling a potential shift in how premium is perceived across the iPhone 17 range.
