Apple could be making a major shift in its design approach with the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the company is set to bring back aluminium frames, moving away from the titanium design that was first introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro in 2023.
The decision, sources suggest, is driven by practicality. Aluminium is lighter and dissipates heat more effectively than titanium, which could make the Pro models more comfortable to hold while also improving performance stability during intensive use. With the iPhone 17 Pro Max expected to house a larger battery, the switch to aluminium may help balance weight, design, and usability.
iPhone 17 Series Launch on September 9
Apple has already confirmed its “Awe Dropping” event for September 9 at 10:30 PM IST, where it will unveil the 2025 iPhone lineup. The event is likely to feature the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air (tentative name), iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Fans can tune in live on Apple.com, the Apple TV app, and the official YouTube channel.
Expected Features of iPhone 17 Series
- ProMotion display for all models: For the first time, all four iPhone 17 models are expected to feature 120Hz refresh rate ProMotion displays, powered by LTPO OLED panels.
- Always-on display (uncertain): While LTPO tech supports it, it’s unclear if always-on mode will be limited to Pro models.
- A19 Pro chipset: Built on TSMC’s cutting-edge 3nm process, promising faster performance and improved efficiency.
- 12GB RAM (first for iPhones): Expected across the lineup, boosting multitasking and enabling advanced Apple Intelligence AI features.
- Display sizes:
- iPhone 17: Likely 6.3 inches (up from 6.1).
- iPhone 17 Air: Expected between 6.3 and 6.9 inches.
- iPhone 17 Pro: 6.3 inches.
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: 6.9 inches.
Camera Upgrades
- Front camera: Big leap from 12MP to 24MP across all models.
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: First iPhone tipped to feature three 48MP rear cameras (Wide, Ultra Wide, and Tetraprism Telephoto) along with 8K video recording support.
- iPhone 17 Pro models: May introduce mechanical apertures for more control over depth-of-field — a first for Apple.
- Dual video recording: Potentially native support, letting users capture footage from front and rear cameras simultaneously.
- iPhone 17 Air & Standard model: Air could carry a single 48MP camera, while the standard iPhone 17 may feature a dual-lens Wide + Ultra Wide setup.
If accurate, the return to aluminium alongside these hardware upgrades signals Apple’s intent to balance performance, design, and user comfort while delivering its most feature-packed iPhone lineup yet.
