Fixed Focus Digital insists Apple won't revert to titanium in Pro iPhones due to heat issues from AI features. The Weibo leaker argues aluminum remains the practical choice for thermal management, countering Instant Digital's earlier reports about liquid metal or titanium alloys. This stance aligns with Apple's history of prioritizing performance over materials, especially after overheating complaints on the iPhone 15 Pro and 16 Pro. Aluminum's thermal properties make it indispensable for handling local AI processing, a challenge shared by Android and Huawei HarmonyOS devices. The iPhone 18 Pro will likely retain the same aluminum unibody design as its predecessor, delaying any material shift until 2027 at the earliest.

The debate stems from Apple's 2023 pivot from titanium to aluminum following overheating reports on recent Pro models. While Instant Digital suggested exploring advanced materials for future Pro versions, Fixed Focus Digital dismisses this as premature. The leaker emphasizes that aluminum's dominance isn't Apple-specific but an industry trend driven by AI's computational demands. This suggests Apple's material choices reflect broader tech limitations rather than deliberate design experiments. The iPhone Air's continued use of titanium offers a rare exception, highlighting aluminum's compromise status for mainstream models.

The implications extend beyond aesthetics. Sticking with aluminum reinforces Apple's focus on practicality over prestige in Pro models. While titanium offers a premium finish, its thermal limitations could hinder AI integration—a critical selling point for future devices. Fixed Focus Digital's analysis implies any return to titanium would require breakthroughs in heat dissipation technology. For now, the aluminum unibody design remains a functional necessity, not a temporary concession. This positions Apple to maintain consistency across its lineup while competitors explore alternative materials.