New alleged production line images of the iPhone 17 Pro have surfaced, giving a first clear look at the device’s all-aluminum chassis design. This marks a significant shift as Apple reportedly abandons the titanium frame and separate glass back panel used in previous Pro models, opting for a unibody aluminum frame that encases the entire phone.
Key Details from theiPhone 17 Pro Aluminum Frame Leak
- The leaked photos, shared by supply chain leaker “yuex1122,” show the iPhone 17 Pro’s chassis milled from aluminum, including the camera bump area.
- The aluminum frame runs continuously around the device, with cutouts to accommodate the multiple lenses and sensors in the camera island.
- A large circular hole is visible in the back to house the glass section for MagSafe wireless charging magnets and coils.
- Unlike the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max, which featured a glass camera module and titanium frame, the iPhone 17 Pro’s camera bump is part of the aluminum body itself.
- This change means Apple would have used titanium on iPhone Pro models only for about two years, after promoting it heavily for durability and premium feel.
- The chassis design is expected to be lighter than previous models and improve heat dissipation thanks to the aluminum build.
- The leak aligns with other rumors pointing to a hybrid design with a glass insert around the Apple logo for wireless charging.
What This Means
Apple’s move back to aluminum for the iPhone 17 Pro series signals a notable design philosophy change. Aluminum offers advantages like lighter weight and better thermal management, while titanium’s role is rumored to be limited to the ultra-slim iPhone 17 Air model where strength is critical.
The removal of the glass back sandwich and titanium frame could also affect repairability and aesthetics, making the iPhone 17 Pro unique in the lineup compared to recent years.
Launch Timeline
Rumors suggest Apple will hold its iPhone 17 launch event on September 9, 2025, with pre-orders starting September 12 and availability from September 19. Invitations to the event may be sent out by the end of August.