iPhone Stainless Steel: Apple introduced the all-screen design for the first time with the iPhone X, launched in 2017. At that time, the company's main focus was on durability and a premium look.
(Why Apple iPhones stopped using stainless steel)
iPhone Stainless Steel: Apple made a major design change when it launched the iPhone 15 Pro series in 2023. The company replaced the stainless steel frame used on the iPhone X to iPhone 14 Pro with a titanium frame. Later, in 2025, with the iPhone 17 Pro models, Apple moved beyond titanium and adopted an aluminum chassis. The question is, why did Apple make such a drastic change? Let's explore the full story.
Increasing weight became the biggest challenge
Apple hasn't officially explained why it ditched stainless steel, but at the launch of the iPhone 15 Pro, the company explained that aerospace-grade titanium is both stronger and lighter. This was why the iPhone 15 Pro models were among the lightest Pro iPhone models at the time.
In fact, the weight of the Pro models was increasing with each new generation. Larger displays, larger batteries, and additional camera hardware made the phones heavier. Users began to feel this weight after prolonged use. Therefore, it became necessary for Apple to choose lightweight yet strong materials.
Why was stainless steel chosen in the iPhone X?
Apple first introduced an all-screen design with the iPhone X in 2017. At the time, the company focused on durability and a premium look. The stainless steel frame, along with glass panels on the front and back, provided added strength and a luxurious feel.
Later in 2020, Apple changed the design again, replacing the curved edges with flat edges reminiscent of the older iPhone 4. This change was primarily made to make the phone appear more attractive and advanced.
How did titanium change the picture?
The iPhone 15 Pro series saw a significant weight reduction after the introduction of a titanium frame. The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max became significantly lighter than their predecessors.
The biggest advantage of titanium was that it was as strong as stainless steel yet much lighter. This maintained the phone's strength and made it more comfortable to use.
