Wired
According to the latest revelations, it seems that Apple will continue to use titanium on the upcoming iPhone 16 Pro, but an improved manufacturing process will give it a smoother appearance. Following previous reports indicating that the iPhone 16 Pro series will have color changes, new leaked information shows that the surface treatment of each color will be different. It is reported that Apple will introduce a new production method to manufacture its titanium body.
The whistleblower “yeux1122” wrote in a log that compared with the 15 Pro model, the iPhone 16 Pro model will use improved titanium metal processing and color processing methods. “So if instead of becoming a scratch-resistant material on the outside, it could become a more glossy material.” Although further details are lacking and no further sources are listed, Apple may already be working with titanium. Improvements are made in aspects unrelated to metal surface treatment, such as increasing the speed or efficiency of a production line.
If the change is visible, it means the current brushed titanium look of the iPhone 15 Pro will be replaced by a smoother and even glossy look. This may be reminiscent of the shinier stainless steel Apple has used before. While stainless steel is more susceptible to scratches, a polished titanium body should be more resistant to scratches than even the iPhone 15 Pro. However, whether it will turn out to be true as rumored will still have to wait until Apple releases the iPhone 16 Pro.