iPhone 18 Pro (Max) may be getting a display redesign but is retaining a more contentious feature

Apple is reportedly working on a completely new design for the 20th anniversary iPhone that will launch next year. In the meantime, the iPhone 18 series is expected to get a slight redesign as well. However, a new report states that the upcoming phones will retain a feature that was quite problematic with the iPhone 17 series, and that’s the aluminum build.

The information comes from leaker Fixed Focus Digital, who posted on Weibo that the iPhone 18 Pro will most likely continue to use aluminum for the frame. Apple switched over to the more durable and premium-feeling titanium for the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max followed with a titanium frame. With the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, Apple decided to go back to aluminum, and that quickly garnered complaints from customers.

There were several instances of the frame getting dented easily and even discolored, but it seems like that didn’t deter Apple from going with the cheaper alternative to titanium. The leaker also stated that those who tried to reach out to Apple for surface chipping issues on the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max were told that it is an inherent characteristic of the material and falls under normal wear and tear.

The move is understandable, though, since titanium is more difficult to work with and more expensive. In this era of increasing component prices, Apple is trying to save money wherever it can. Reports have claimed that the iPhone 18 series will be priced the same as the iPhone 17 series, which means Apple is absorbing the costs rather than pushing them onto the public.