Apple continues to stir controversy with each new release of its smartphones. With the launch of the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, Apple surprised everyone with its decision to abandon the titanium frame it first used on the iPhone 15 Pro in 2023, and return to aluminum. What prompted Apple to make this change? And how does this decision impact the user experience? In this article, we explore the reasons behind this shift, discuss the advantages of aluminum, and how this change aligns with Apple's vision for the future.
A smartphone frame isn't just an aesthetic element; it's a crucial component that impacts durability, thermal performance, weight, and even environmental impact. When Apple introduced the titanium frame in the iPhone 15 Pro, it was a revolutionary step, touting it as a material that combined strength and lightness. But with the iPhone 17 Pro, Apple has decided to return to aluminum, a choice that may come as a surprise to some. Let's take a look at the reasons behind this decision.
Why aluminum instead of titanium?
This is due to several reasons:
Improve heat dissipation
Since the launch of the iPhone 15 Pro, users have experienced overheating issues, especially when running performance-intensive apps or games. Titanium, while durable, has poorer heat dissipation than aluminum. Aluminum has the advantage of better dissipating heat away from internal components, helping to reduce temperature rise during intensive use.
Apple supported this change by introducing a new vapor chamber-based cooling system with the A19 Pro chip, which enhances heat management efficiency. This means the iPhone 17 Pro will be cooler and more stable during heavy tasks like video editing or gaming.
Light weight
Aluminum is lighter than titanium, making the phone more comfortable for everyday use. While titanium was once considered an ideal choice for durability, the added weight may be noticeable to users who prefer lightweight phones. By using aluminum, Apple can deliver a lighter device without sacrificing durability, enhancing the user experience.
Production cost and ease of manufacturing
Titanium is a difficult material to manufacture, requiring specialized tools and precise machining using CNC (Computer Numerical Control) technology, an advanced manufacturing process used to precisely shape solid materials such as titanium or aluminum. This process is controlled by computer programs that direct machines to cut and shape the material with extreme precision, allowing for the production of complex parts with fine details.
Titanium is a highly hard and rigid metal, which increases production costs and slows down the manufacturing process. Scrap rates are also higher with titanium than with aluminum. In contrast, aluminum is easier to manufacture and less expensive, allowing Apple to produce phones more efficiently and in larger quantities.
environmental impact
Apple is known for its focus on environmental sustainability, and aluminum aligns better with this vision. Aluminum has a lower carbon footprint than titanium. Apple is also able to recycle aluminum very efficiently, while producing titanium requires more energy, making it less environmentally friendly.
Aluminum frame: new colors and visual appeal
One exciting advantage of returning to aluminum is the potential for new, bright colors. Titanium, due to limitations of the anodization process—the process of electrolytically treating a metal surface to create a protective oxide layer—has prevented Apple from offering bright colors in titanium iPhone models. Apple was not allowed to offer bright colors in previous Pro models.
Titanium is a strong and light metal, but the anodizing process doesn't allow for strong or bright colors to hold up easily, so previous Pro models had limited and neutral colors (grey, black, dark blue, etc.).
But with the iPhone 17 Pro, Apple introduced two new colors: dark blue and bright orange. These colors add a modern touch and make the phone more attractive to users looking for distinctive designs and colors.
We believe no other company has dared to offer a phone in such a bright orange color as Apple, and we'll see it more often in the coming days, with the same design as the iPhone 17 Pro.
Titanium isn't completely gone: iPhone Air
Although titanium was dropped from the Pro models, it hasn't disappeared. Apple introduced a new model called the iPhone Air, an ultra-thin phone measuring just 5.6 mm thick. The use of titanium in this model is necessary to maintain structural rigidity while achieving this exceptional thinness. This shows that Apple still sees value in titanium, but is choosing it for specific applications that suit its properties.
Why titanium in iPhone Air?
Titanium provides exceptional strength, allowing Apple to design an ultra-thin phone without sacrificing durability.
The use of titanium in iPhone Air gives it a unique identity, setting it apart from the Pro models and the rest of the lineup.
Impact of the decision on user experience
The switch to aluminum on the iPhone 17 Pro has several benefits for the user:
◉ Better thermal performance, thus a more comfortable experience when using heavy applications.
◉ Lighter weight makes it easier to hold the phone for long periods.
◉ Attractive colors, and there are new options to suit different tastes.
◉ Potentially lower prices, thanks to lower production costs. Although these costs are lower, they are not passed on to the user. Prices remain the same, perhaps due to higher customs costs.
However, some may wonder whether aluminum will be as durable as titanium. Apple is known for choosing high-quality materials, so the aluminum used in the iPhone 17 Pro is likely reinforced with advanced technologies to ensure durability.
Apple's decision to return to aluminum for the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max reflects a balance between performance, cost, and sustainability. By improving heat management, reducing weight, and introducing new colors, Apple aims to deliver a better user experience while maintaining its environmental commitments. Meanwhile, titanium remains present in the iPhone Air, demonstrating Apple's commitment to innovation and diversity across its lineup.
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