A render of a possible iPhone 17 design
The iPhone 17 Pro models could have some big design changes, including a shift away from titanium in favor of an aluminum frame and a back combining aluminum and glass.
The current generation of iPhones has used a well-worn design of a glass sandwich with a metal frame in the middle. For the Pro models of the iPhone 17, there could be some changes on the way.
The design changes start with a move away from titanium, according to sources of The Information. Apple had previously used titanium to allow its Pro models to be as light as possible while remaining strong.
The reasoning for the switch in material is unknown, but it’s not the only aluminum change on the horizon. It is said that the back of the Pro models will use a “part-aluminum, part-glass design.”
The top section will include a larger rectangular camera bump made of aluminum, instead of the typical glass-made bump. Again, there is no explanation for the design change, but the “large rectangular camera bump” description could mean other camera changes could be on the way.
However, the bottom half of the rear will continue using glass. The glass base is meant to still allow users to wirelessly charge their devices, without interference from the aluminum.
The design change news arrives less than a year before the actual iPhone 17 will be unveiled. It is unclear how true these claims are, but future rumors and CAD drawing leaks may help solidify whether these changes really are on the way or not.
