New iPhone 15 Pro, Pro Max Are Made of Titanium; Here's What You Need to Know About the Metal

In case you missed it, Apple has just unveiled its latest flagship models, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max.

While Apple's annual product launches are always highly anticipated, this year's announcement brings a groundbreaking change - using titanium to construct the phone's frame.

Apple's Titanium Revolution

One of the most eye-catching features of the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max is the adoption of titanium for the phone's frame.

Apple touts this as a game-changer, making the handsets the lightest they have ever produced while ensuring enhanced durability.

Titanium Unveiled

Titanium, with its atomic number 22, is a refractory metal renowned for its strength and lightweight properties.

In fact, it is twice as strong as aluminum, making it an ideal choice for high-stress applications. Yet, unlike steel, it weighs about 45% less, which is why it has become increasingly popular in the aerospace and manufacturing industries.

But what makes titanium truly remarkable is its natural corrosion resistance. When exposed to oxygen, it develops a protective oxide layer, shielding it from further corrosion.

Its rarity, constituting only about 0.63% of the Earth's crust, makes it more costly to produce than other metals. However, its unique properties justify the investment for specific applications.

The Versatility of Titanium

Beyond its use in smartphones, Reuters notes in a report that titanium plays a pivotal role in various industries. In aerospace, it is employed to craft landing gear, blades, and turbine discs.

The marine industry relies on titanium for building ships and submarines, while the automotive sector uses it in components for internal combustion engines.

Furthermore, titanium is essential for medical implants due to its exceptional biocompatibility. It can withstand harsh conditions within the human body and carries a lower risk of rejection than other metals used for such purposes.

Additionally, titanium has intriguing applications in sports, including golf club heads, where it enhances performance. In vaping, it is used to ensure safety and precise temperature control.

Its unique properties, such as being non-magnetic, non-corrosive, and a poor conductor of electricity, make it indispensable for storing nuclear waste securely.

Titanium Imports and Exports

In 2022, Reuters tells us that the United States led global titanium sponge imports, claiming 36% with nearly 83,000 tons, excluding Russian data. China and South Korea followed with 13,000 tons and 9,000 tons, respectively.

Japan emerges as a top exporter, shipping nearly 35,000 tons, joined by Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia with 16,000 tons and 10,000 tons, as per Trade Data Monitor.

According to the United States Geological Survey, China dominated global titanium production, accounting for 58% of the 260,000 tons of global output in 2022, followed by Japan at 19% and Russia at 10%.

The Future of Titanium and iPhones

As we await the release of the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, it's evident that the integration of titanium is more than just a marketing ploy.

It represents a strategic shift towards enhancing durability and reducing weight, ultimately improving the user experience.

Stay posted here at Tech Times.