If you’re eyeing your next smartphone upgrade, the iPhone 17 Pro might surprise you. A recent leak provided an early glimpse of Apple’s forthcoming iPhone 17 Pro, indicating a significant shift in design and materials. While it remains unconfirmed whether the component shown is an actual frame or a prototype mould, the design aligns with prior industry reports suggesting Apple’s transition to an all-aluminium body for its Pro series.
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In July 2025, Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models were set to return to an aluminium chassis, moving away from the titanium frames of the iPhone 16 Pro series. This strategic shift was grounded in sustainability, with aluminium production generating roughly 67 per cent less carbon emissions than titanium, as highlighted by GF Securities analyst Jeff Pu, aligning with Apple’s goal of achieving complete product carbon neutrality by 2030.
Beyond environmental benefits, aluminium will offer superior thermal conductivity, which is critical for managing heat-intensive tasks like gaming and content creation. The lighter material, which also reduces the device’s weight by 10–15 grams, also enabled integration of larger batteries and enhanced camera systems without compromising portability.
The move signalled the company’s pivot toward eco-conscious design, potentially influencing global mobile supply chains like the manufacturers, suppliers and production models toward the materials that balanced performance, cost and environmental stewardship.
According to details from a leak initially shared by leaker Majin Bu, the iPhone 17 Pro is expected to feature a rear glass cutout solely surrounding the Apple logo to support wireless charging. The remainder of the chassis will reportedly be constructed from aluminium, replacing the titanium material introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro.
Dummy models and CAD renders of the iPhone 17 Pro reveal an outlined section on the rear, extending from the camera module to the base of the chassis. This design detail aligns with reports of a hybrid construction featuring a half-aluminium, half-glass configuration.
The iPhone 17 Pro will mark the first Pro-level model to feature an aluminium frame since Apple differentiated its lineup into Pro and non-Pro variants. Aluminium is approximately 40 per cent lighter than titanium, enhancing device handling and offering superior heat dissipation, potentially aiding in maintaining optimal operating temperatures for the A19 Pro chip.
Also read: iPhone 17 Pro Max reduces 67% carbon footprint by switching back to aluminium
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