2024
11/26
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It has emerged that the next-generation iPhone 17 Pro series may change from the titanium frame used in the current model to an aluminum frame. According to a report from The Information, this change will be part of a larger design change to the entire device.
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Fusion of aluminum and new design
The Information’s coverage is mainly focused on the new thin iPhone “iPhone 17 Air (tentative name)”However, what is interesting is a report that Apple is planning to standardize the frame material to aluminum for the entire iPhone 17 series, which is scheduled to be released in 2025. In particular, the Pro model will have major changes to its back design. According to a report by The Information’s Wayne Ma and Qianer Liu, the back panel will evolve from the traditional all-glass design to a hybrid structure that combines aluminum and glass.
Specifically, the camera module at the top of the back will be replaced with a large rectangular bump made of aluminum instead of the traditional 3D glass. However, to maintain wireless charging functionality, the bottom half of the back will continue to be made of glass. This design change has the potential to improve the protection of camera systems.
Strategic intent of material change
But this change may be surprising. This is because Apple just adopted a titanium frame in the 2023 iPhone 15 Pro, and has emphasized this as a differentiating factor for its premium models. The specific reason for the return to aluminum has not been disclosed, but it may be related to optimizing manufacturing costs or implementing new features. However, in terms of image, this can be said to be a deterioration. The Pro model used a stainless steel frame before changing to a titanium body, but this material differentiation also differentiated it from the standard model that uses an aluminum frame. If the differentiation between the Pro and standard models disappears at the material level, the differentiation between the Pro models and standard models in the iPhone 17 series may become smaller than before.
While the iPhone 17 Air, which is scheduled to be released at the same time, is being developed with a view to simplifying its camera functions, the Pro model will have significantly enhanced camera functions, as suggested by the larger camera bump. There is a high possibility that this will be done.
Xenospectrum’s Take
This design change makes sense structurally. Aluminum has excellent workability, making it possible to create camera modules with more complex shapes. The hybrid structure on the back is also advantageous from a thermal management perspective.
However, this change also has potential risks. Some premium users will likely feel disappointed at losing the luxurious feel of titanium. Apple will be tested on its ability to create a sense of luxury with aluminum models.
Sources
Morocco
