What is Grade 5 Titanium And why it is a big deal on the iPhone 15 Pro

Grade 5 titanium is the most widely used form of titanium. Over 50% of the world’s titanium production is Grade 5. This is also an excellent quality of titanium. Famously it is used on the Mars Rover and even the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, but now, it is also on the iPhone. Apple’s latest iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models have replaced the stainless steel frame for a titanium frame. This is also one of the most important hardware changes made to the iPhone. It is also quite a big deal. Here's why:

1.  The most obvious benefit of grade 5 titanium is that it will make the iPhone stronger from the outside but also lighter. So in the case of the iPhone 14 Pro Max the weight was a whopping 240 grams which now goes down to 221 grams which is a significant positive shift. A reduction of 18 grams is a big deal on a modern smartphone. While doing so the phone is also becoming stronger and considering titanium's perception — it will also feel premium.

2. Strength is a huge part of the advantage of titanium which is why it is used in aerospace applications. Grade 5 also helps when strength is more important than corrosion. This is important on a phone where durability from scratches, dings and dents are more likely to age the phone than corrosion as it is a consumer electronics item at the end of the day. This has been proven with the titanium casing on the Apple Watch Ultra which is resistant to scratches. This has also been proven since the 1950s when titanium was used in armours.

3. Grade 5 titanium is also a weldable alloy. This is why Apple was able to introduce a new aluminium structure on the inside which makes the phone more repairable. This aluminium frame is welded with the titanium frame and no screws are required.

4. Titanium has low thermal conductivity as well which means the device itself will be more resistant to external temperatures. Say you use the phone in sub-zero temperatures, the iPhone will be more resistant and at the same time while using the phone in the hot summer of New Delhi, likely you will not be getting that overheating notification while editing 4K video on iMovie.

5. Apple is using titanium almost like one would use gold. Using the alloy in its exposed form as a material effect. This is allowing Apple not only to sell a very unique exposed colour — but something that is brushed, classy and super premium. This leans into a trend seen on premium cars which come with brushed or matte finished silver finishes like say the Kia EV6 or Hyundai Ioniq 5 which while not having titanium on the exterior, give that vibe.