Apple is reportedly ditching titanium for an aluminum unibody on the iPhone 17 Pro. Leaked images from the production line confirm that the new model will have an all-aluminum chassis, wrapped around the back with cutouts for cameras and MagSafe wireless charging coils.
If true, this would mark a significant change from the glass sandwich design that has dominated the industry in recent years. However, it also comes with its own set of pros and cons. Aluminum is a great heat conductor, which could be beneficial for dissipating heat from the processor. On the other hand, aluminum can be expensive and heavier than glass, depending on the thickness and density.
Using metal instead of glass might also make the phone feel more solid and substantial in the hand. Many people praise glass as a premium material, but a thin glass back might feel plasticky to the touch. Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that the leaked images could be dummies or metal molds for cases, so take this rumor with a grain of salt.
The iPhone 17 series is expected to launch on September 9th, with pre-orders starting on September 12th and widespread market availability on September 19th. If Apple does indeed adopt an aluminum back design, it could signal the return of metal phones to the market.
Source: https://www.phonearena.com/news/leaked-images-show-the-iphone-17-pro-metal-body_id173244