Apple is considering a return to titanium for its future iPhone models, as revealed by Weibo leaker Instant Digital. This comes after the company opted for an aluminum-based design in the iPhone 17 Pro, which was originally designed with titanium as a premium feature for its Pro lineup in 2023.
The shift to aluminum was largely attributed to better heat dissipation, but Apple has not entirely moved away from titanium. The leaker suggests that an improved titanium alloy is under exploration to enhance thermal conductivity while also reducing weight.
Additionally, there is speculation about the potential use of liquid metal in the hinge of the upcoming iPhone Ultra, though mass production of this material presents significant challenges. Apple is expected to revisit titanium once a suitable formula is finalized, continuing to leverage its durability in ultra-thin designs.
The company currently utilizes titanium in the iPhone Air and plans to incorporate it into future models, indicating that the premium material could reemerge in Pro versions if thermal management systems advance sufficiently.