iPhone 17 Pro May Be Less Durable Than iPhone 16 Pro, Could Get Wireless Reverse Charging

Highlights

• Apple may switch from titanium to aluminium for iPhone 17 Pro frames.
• The shift to aluminium could be driven by environmental concerns and manufacturing difficulties with titanium.
• Apple is reportedly testing an advanced version of wireless reverse charging for the iPhone 17 Pro.

It is not a surprise that we are already getting multiple reports on the iPhone 17 Series even when the launch is still months away. A new leak suggests that Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro models might not be as durable as the iPhone 16 Pro or even the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. Here’s what the latest reports say.

iPhone 17 Pro To Use Aluminum Instead of Titanium?

According to reports, Apple may switch from titanium to aluminium for the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max frames. Apple supply chain analyst Jeff Pu revealed in an investor note obtained by MacRumors that the iPhone 17 Pro models will feature aluminium frames instead of the titanium used in recent Pro models.

One exception could be the rumoured iPhone 17 Air, which is expected to replace the Plus model and might still feature a titanium frame.

Aluminium is lighter but also less durable than titanium. When dropped on hard surfaces, aluminium tends to scuff more easily, while titanium is far more resistant to damage.

If Apple does switch to aluminium, the iPhone 17 Pro models would not only be less durable than their predecessors but also less durable than the Galaxy S25 Ultra and possibly other upcoming flagship phones.

Apple’s shift to aluminium could be driven by environmental concerns. Aluminum has a lower carbon footprint than titanium and Apple is working toward carbon neutrality by 2030. MacRumors speculates that Apple could market the iPhone 17 models as their first carbon-neutral iPhones.

Titanium is also harder to manufacture, which could be another reason for the switch. That said, this is still a rumour, so it’s best to take it with a grain of salt for now.

Wireless Reverse Charging Could Finally Arrive on the iPhone 17 Pro

Apple has been working on wireless reverse charging for years but the feature has never been fully activated on any iPhone. It remains a drawback for Apple since the feature has been quite common on Android smartphones.

According to 9to5Mac sources, Apple is developing an advanced version of reverse wireless charging, and a new leak suggests it’s currently being tested on iPhone 17 Pro prototypes.

Apple was reportedly aiming to introduce this feature as early as the iPhone 14, but it still hasn’t been activated in any model yet. Now, leaker Instant Digital claims Apple is actively testing it for the iPhone 17 Pro. The report says, “Apple has tested the 7.5W reverse charging function on the iPhone 17 Pro. I don’t know if it will be opened for use this time.”

What Is Wireless Reverse Charging?

Reverse wireless charging allows a phone’s wireless charging coil to work both ways. This means your iPhone could charge another device such as AirPods, Apple Watch or even another iPhone. Many Android brands including Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel, OnePlus, Nothing and Sony already offer this feature on at least one of their models.

If the current rumours are true, this could be a highly anticipated addition for Apple users who have been waiting for reverse charging on iPhones for years.

FAQs

Q1. Why might the iPhone 17 Pro be less durable than the iPhone 16 Pro?

Answer. Reports suggest that Apple may switch from titanium to aluminium for the iPhone 17 Pro frames. Aluminium is lighter but less durable than titanium, making the iPhone 17 Pro potentially less resistant to damage.

Q2. Why Apple is switching to aluminium for the iPhone 17 Pro?

Answer. Apple’s shift to aluminium could be driven by environmental concerns as aluminium has a lower carbon footprint than titanium. Apple is working toward carbon neutrality by 2030.

Q3. What is wireless reverse charging being tested for the iPhone 17 Pro?

Answer. Wireless reverse charging allows a phone to charge other devices wirelessly. Apple is developing an advanced version of this feature and is currently testing it on iPhone 17 Pro prototypes.

Q4. Which models might still feature a titanium frame in the iPhone 17 lineup?

Answer. The rumoured iPhone 17 Air, expected to replace the Plus model, might still feature a titanium frame, even though the iPhone 17 Pro models may switch to aluminium.

Also Read: iPhone 17 Pro Max Could Get a Smaller Dynamic Island & 3D Renders Leaked