The upcoming iPhone 17 series is shaping up to be a strange mix of design choices, with one model standing out: the iPhone 17 Air. This device is set to feature a premium titanium frame, a material previously reserved for the Pro models. 
While the more expensive iPhone 17 Pro versions are reportedly shifting to a weaker aluminum build, the Air will hold onto the durability of titanium, albeit in a lighter and thinner form.
Apple first introduced titanium in the iPhone 15 Pro, promising enhanced durability over the stainless steel and aluminum frames of previous models. The matte finish and premium feel of the titanium frames on the Pro models gave the iPhone a fresh look. However, rumors now suggest that Apple is making a return to aluminum for the iPhone 17 lineup, potentially sacrificing some durability for lighter weight.
Despite these changes, leaks point to the iPhone 17 Air as the exception. Analysts, including Jeff Pu and Ming-Chi Kuo, have hinted that this model will still feature a titanium finish, although it will be a mix of titanium and aluminum. This alloy, while not as strong as the full titanium frames on the Pro models, will likely strike a balance between durability and weight for the ultra-thin design of the Air. This is a critical decision, as the iPhone 17 Air is expected to be thinner than both the standard iPhone 17 and the Pro models.
The iPhone 17 Air is also expected to have a single-lens camera, with a similar main sensor to the one in the Pro models. Additionally, the Air will be powered by the A19 chip and 12GB of RAM, making it a highly capable device despite its mid-range positioning. This model aims to strike the right balance between performance and portability while maintaining the durability that Apple is known for.
With the iPhone 17 Air standing as the lone model featuring a titanium frame, Apple seems determined to avoid the pitfalls of past issues like Bendgate. While aluminum is lighter, durability concerns may outweigh the desire for a lightweight phone. Only time will tell if the new titanium-alloy frame can deliver the necessary durability without compromising the sleek, thin design that Apple is aiming for.