iPhone 17 Air May Ditch Titanium for Aluminum—Here’s What That Means

TechRadar reported on Tuesday that the iPhone 17 Air is likely to feature an aluminum frame instead of titanium.

Smartphone supply chain blogger Lanzuk (yeux1122) suggests that the iPhone 17 Air may prioritize a sleeker, lighter design at the expense of some durability. This shift could worry users who value robustness in their devices. While the iPhone Pro models’ stainless steel frames offered a substantial, premium feel, the switch to titanium successfully struck a balance between durability and weight reduction. Aluminum, though lighter, may be less sturdy and more prone to damage from impacts.

To address these concerns, Apple might introduce innovative alloys or design techniques to enhance durability. Similar to their previous implementation of Ceramic Shield glass for improved strength, Apple could potentially incorporate new technologies, such as aluminum armor, in the iPhone 17 Air. However, questions remain about how an aluminum frame would balance durability with the premium aesthetic for which Apple is known.

Lanzuk also shared new details about the iPhone 17 Air’s weight. Based on its internal components, the device is estimated to weigh approximately 146g (5.15 oz). While slightly heavier than the iPhone 6, which weighed just under 130g (4.59oz), it’s remarkably light for a modern smartphone. The glass back is reported to weigh approximately 15g (0.53oz), making it thinner than current industry standards.