What? The iPhone 17 Pro Series Abandons 3D-Printed Titanium Frames for Aluminum Construction

On June 5, 2025, Panda3dp.com observed that international tech blogger Majin Bu leaked images of the new iPhone 17 Pro Max, stirring significant discussion in the tech community. Surprisingly, after only two generations of using premium titanium, Apple appears to be returning to aluminum construction. Reportedly, the iPhone 17 Pro will feature an aluminum frame, positioning it as a flagship device with environmental credentials. Meanwhile, the Air variant is expected to retain titanium elements to appeal to high-end users.

From Titanium to Aluminum: A Shift for Carbon Neutrality

Apple’s transition from titanium to aluminum in the iPhone 17 is said to be motivated not merely by cost concerns but by its commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. Data from materials science shows that aluminum has a 67% lower carbon footprint compared to titanium. Although titanium boasts a superior strength-to-weight ratio of 6:1 versus aluminum's 4:1, aluminum’s high recyclability makes it a more sustainable choice. Thus, the aluminum frame of the iPhone 17 Pro Max supports Apple’s environmental goals, while the titanium-based iPhone 17 Air appears tailored to satisfy users who demand a premium experience.

Impact on 3D Printing for 3C Components

This shift invites a reassessment of titanium alloy 3D printing in future Apple products. Numerous domestic 3D printing companies and Apple supply chain partners had previously scaled up capacity, anticipating greater 3C demand for the technology.

Past models like the OPPO Find N5 and Honor Magic series have already adopted 3D-printed titanium components for hinges and shaft covers, expanding the market for 3D printing and fueling industry expectations—especially regarding Apple's potential uptake.

△ 3D-Printed Titanium Components Used in OPPO Find N5

Renowned analyst Mingqi Guo noted that Apple has conducted extensive testing of 3D printing technologies and is expected to incorporate 3D-printed titanium components such as watch cases and crowns into the Apple Watch lineup by 2025, with BLT serving as the supplier. Apple holds numerous titanium alloy patents covering lightweight and corrosion-resistant properties, laying a strong foundation for future adoption.

Current trends show Honor’s Magic V2 and Vs3 have pioneered the use of titanium alloy 3D-printed hinges, achieving a 150% increase in material strength and a 20% reduction in thickness—paving the way for ultra-light folding designs. OPPO’s Find N5 further advances this by combining titanium hinges with waterproofing features, targeting the title of “world’s thinnest foldable phone.” These examples demonstrate the feasibility and potential of 3D-printed titanium in consumer electronics.

There is reason to believe Apple may reintroduce 3D-printed titanium components in future products—especially in structural parts requiring high strength and minimal weight. Should a future iPhone feature a titanium middle frame, it could trigger explosive growth across the global 3D printing supply chain. According to a Minsheng Securities report, Apple may launch a foldable phone in 2026 featuring a 3D-printed titanium hinge. Foldable hinges demand exceptional strength, lightweight design, and precision—areas where titanium 3D printing (SLM) significantly outperforms traditional processes like MIM and CNC. Thus, Apple’s foldable devices are highly likely to adopt this technology.

Yet just as expectations peaked, Apple’s pivot toward aluminum in the iPhone 17 Pro series has come as a setback for 3C-focused 3D printing suppliers.

Industry Leaders Continue to Bet on 3C

BLT, China’s leading metal 3D printing company, has deployed over 100 printers for titanium component production in the 3C sector. Its vertically integrated “equipment + materials + services” model gives it a unique edge in titanium 3D printing. This diversification also hedges against risk—should consumer electronics orders fluctuate, stable demand from aerospace and healthcare can support growth.

China’s dominant role in the 3D printing ecosystem gives Apple a strong base for scaling production. Industry data shows that China leads the world in market growth, with projections estimating the domestic 3D printing market will surpass ¥120 billion by 2029, driven by a 19.5% CAGR from 2024 to 2029. In 2024, BLT reported revenues of ¥1.326 billion. If the first-generation foldable iPhone ships 20 million units and BLT holds an 80% share of the supply chain, revenue from this project could reach ¥8 billion in 2026–2027—far exceeding 2024 levels.

△ Inside BLT’s Advanced Metal 3D Printing Factory

Other players like Farsoon Technolohies, Ampro Innovations, HBD, and 3DPTEK (equipment), along with powder suppliers such as SCSW, Vela 3D, AVIMETAL AM, and IMT Intelligence, are also strategically targeting the 3C market. Supply chain giants like Luxshare and TRIO Precision are actively expanding in this space. Additionally, CNPC POWER has introduced 100% green-recycled 3D printing titanium powder, further reinforcing the eco-friendly appeal of titanium.

Despite the iPhone 17 Pro Max's aluminum pivot, titanium 3D printing is far from obsolete. As technology advances, it remains a strong contender in Apple's future innovations, potentially driving both performance and sustainability.

Balancing Technological Progress and Environmental Responsibility

Apple’s evolving use of titanium 3D printing underscores a broader industry challenge: how to harmonize cutting-edge innovation with environmental stewardship. The shift from titanium to aluminum in the iPhone 17 is not a regression but a strategic recalibration grounded in life-cycle sustainability.

Over the next 3–5 years, titanium 3D printing is most likely to thrive in “performance-sensitive” product segments, such as ultra-slim iPhones (e.g., the iPhone 17 Air) or professional-grade wearables like the Apple Watch Ultra. In these applications, titanium’s strength-to-weight advantage justifies its use despite its carbon footprint. Moreover, 3D printing’s design flexibility enables breakthrough structural solutions.

At the same time, the supply chain is advancing the greening of titanium 3D printing—leveraging renewable energy, recycling titanium powder, and optimizing processes to reduce emissions and bridge the gap between technology and sustainability.

Consumer electronics manufacturing is undergoing a profound transformation. 3D printing is evolving from a single-process technique into a cornerstone of digital manufacturing. Combined with AI-driven design and sustainable materials, it may redefine product development itself.

While Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro may temporarily step back from titanium, its investment in Apple Watch components and foldable hinges signals continued momentum. Once green titanium and efficient printing technologies mature, we may well witness the triumphant return of titanium—not just as a material of strength, but as a symbol of reconciliation between innovation and our planet.