Aluminium takes centre stage in Apple’s iPhone 17, here's how & why
Apple is trading glass glamour for aluminium muscle in the iPhone 17 Pro and the industry is watching closely. A recent leak has provided a first look at the iPhone 17 Pro's production chassis, showcasing a significant design shift from previous models. Unlike the iPhone 16 Pro's glass-and-titanium build, the new chassis appears to be a milled all-aluminium frame with an integrated camera bump.
The leaked image, shared by leaker Majin Bu, shows a chassis with a rear cutout designed to house a glass section around the Apple logo. This glass area would facilitate wireless charging, while the surrounding aluminium body offers improved durability. The integrated camera bump is notably larger and spans the width of the device, differing from the previous year's glass camera module attached to an all-glass back panel.
What's behind Apple's sudden pivot to aluminium build?
Aluminium is approximately 40 per cent lighter than titanium, which could result in a lighter iPhone 17 Pro compared to its predecessors. Additionally, aluminium is more cost-effective to manufacture, potentially reducing production costs.
Moreover, Apple has strategically transitioned the iPhone 17 Pro Max from titanium to aluminium, reducing its carbon footprint by 67 per cent. This move aligns with Apple's commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. Despite titanium's higher strength-to-weight ratio, aluminium offers superior recyclability and thermal conductivity, enhancing heat dissipation and device longevity.
The aluminium frame also lightens the device by 10 to 15 grams, accommodating larger batteries and advanced camera systems. This shift underscores Apple's focus on long-term sustainability over short-term performance gains, setting a precedent for the industry. Aluminium's superior thermal conductivity compared to titanium allows faster dissipation of heat generated by the A19 Pro chip and battery.
Apple is also reportedly implementing a new internal design featuring a vapour chamber heatsink to enhance overall thermal performance. Leveraging aluminium enables Apple to expand its colour palette, with the iPhone 17 Pro lineup expected to include black, white and grey, alongside new dark blue and orange options.
Aluminium is the new go-to for other premium players too, here's how
Samsung's Galaxy S25
Samsung's Galaxy S25 has been honoured with the 2025 ReMA Design for Recycling® Award, recognising its leadership in sustainable product design. This accolade highlights Samsung's commitment to enhancing circularity and reducing environmental impact through innovative use of materials.
A key aspect of the Galaxy S25's design is its incorporation of recycled aluminium in the armour frame. This move not only contributes to the device's durability and premium feel but also aligns with Samsung's broader environmental goals. The use of recycled aluminium reduces the demand for new raw materials, thereby lowering the carbon footprint associated with the device's production.
By integrating recycled aluminium, Samsung demonstrates a commitment to sustainability without compromising on quality or performance. This approach sets a precedent for the industry, showcasing how premium devices can be both environmentally responsible and technologically advanced. Samsung selected aluminium for the Galaxy S25 series to enhance durability, reduce weight and improve recyclability.
The devices feature a lightweight aluminium frame, providing a premium feel and robust protection. Additionally, the metal frame incorporates a minimum of 20 per cent recycled aluminium by weight, aligning with Samsung's sustainability goals. This choice supports the company's commitment to reducing environmental impact while delivering high-quality smartphones.
Google's Pixel 5 & subsequent models
Google has integrated 100 per cent recycled aluminium into the enclosures of its Pixel 5 and subsequent smartphones, such as the Pixel 6, Pixel 7 and Pixel 9 series. This strategic move aligns with Google's commitment to sustainability and its goal of achieving net-zero emissions across all operations and value chains by 2030. The decision to utilise recycled aluminium was driven by a lifecycle assessment of earlier models, which identified the aluminium enclosure as the most significant contributor to the carbon footprint.
By opting for recycled aluminium, Google reduced the carbon footprint of manufacturing the enclosure by over 35 per cent compared to using primary aluminium. To ensure the performance and reliability of the recycled material, Google developed new 100 per cent recycled aluminium specifications. These specifications detail the alloying elements and quantities required to meet performance standards without compromising quality.
Extensive testing validated that the recycled aluminium performs identically to primary aluminium, maintaining the sleek and sturdy design expected from Google devices. This initiative not only reduces waste and lowers carbon emissions but also supports the transition to a circular economy by maximising the reuse of finite resources. Google's approach serves as a model for integrating sustainability into product design and manufacturing processes.
Apple's push for green transition
Apple is intensifying its commitment to sustainability by prioritising aluminium in its circular materials strategy. This initiative is part of a broader effort to source 15 key materials, including aluminium, rare earths and lithium from recycled or renewable sources, significantly reducing manufacturing emissions.
Since 2015, Apple has achieved a 60 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, with a target of 75 per cent by 2030. In 2024, the use of recycled materials contributed to avoiding 6.2 million metric tonnes of emissions, representing 15 per cent of the total avoided emissions for that year.
Aluminium plays a central role in this strategy due to its high recyclability and reduced energy consumption compared to primary aluminium production. Apple's collaboration with Canadian companies, like ELYSIS, aims to develop a carbon-free aluminium smelting process, further advancing the company's sustainability goals.
Concluding statement
The leaked chassis provides a glimpse into the iPhone 17 Pro's design evolution, indicating a shift towards a more durable and cost-effective aluminium construction. While the integrated camera bump and aluminium frame represent notable changes, the overall design maintains Apple's commitment to premium aesthetics and functionality. As the official launch approaches, more details are expected to emerge, shedding light on the full scope of enhancements in the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro.
Note: To feature your brand and share insights, contribute an article or interview in our forthcoming e-magazine "End-user Revolution: ALuminium’s Impact on Modern Living"
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