Since the iPhone X in 2017, all of Apple's highest-end iPhone models have featured either stainless steel or titanium frames, but it has been rumored that this design decision will be coming to an end with the iPhone 17 Pro models next week.
In a post on Chinese social media platform Weibo, the account Instant Digital said that the iPhone 17 Pro models will have an aluminum frame, with a glass section on the back of the devices to preserve MagSafe and Qi wireless charging support. This part-aluminum, part-glass design was already rumored previously.
Apple has continued to use aluminum frames for the lower-end iPhone models each year, including the latest iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus. The higher-end iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max feature titanium frames, so the return to aluminum for the Pro models would be a notable change.
Aluminum is lighter and cheaper than titanium, but Apple's exact reasons for allegedly shifting back to the material are unknown at this point.
Instant Digital has nearly 1.5 million followers on Weibo, and the account has accurately leaked Apple information before, such as the Yellow finish for the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus, and the Apple Watch Ultra 2's Titanium Milanese Loop. However, like most sources, the account does not have a perfect track record.
Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 17 series at its September 9 event.
