For the first time since the iPhone 12, the iPhone 17 series is set to get a fundamental design overhaul, differing from the iPhone 16 Pro primarily in terms of a wide "camera bar". According to the latest rumors, however, this fresh look will only be available on the Pro models and the iPhone 17 Air, while the cheapest iPhone 17 will continue to feature the familiar square camera module.
Not only will there be differences in design between the iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 series, according to the latest information from analyst Jeff Pu, but also in the materials from which the housing is made. The base model will remain unchanged, retaining an aluminum frame, but the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will now be made of aluminum instead of the titanium of the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro.
Following the stainless steel frames of the iPhone X up to the iPhone 14 Pro, this will be the first time since the iPhone 7 Plus that Apple's most expensive smartphone will use aluminum. Only the iPhone 17 Air is said to be equipped with a titanium frame, possibly to make the thinner housing more robust. According to Jeff Pu, Apple is switching from titanium to aluminum in order to improve the iPhone's ecological footprint. Aluminum has a 40% lower density than titanium, which will probably also make the iPhone 17 Pro much lighter. Lastly, all four models in the iPhone 17 series are expected to have 35-watt USB-C charging instead of the previous 30 watts.
Source(s)
Jeff Pu via MacRumors