New point in iPhone 16 titanium border

Apple has long used stainless steel frames for iPhones, which are polished to a high shine. But with the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, Apple switched to a titanium frame with a matte finish. The rim layer uses Titanium grade 5 - a popular titanium alloy used in many important industries, thanks to its advantages of durability, high corrosion resistance, fingerprint and scratch resistance but still light weight.

Despite the benefits, some users still prefer the polished stainless steel bezel of the past rather than the polished surface to cover scratches and increase durability. Some Reddit users also discussed the possibility that Apple will abandon sanding technology in favor of polishing the titanium frame, giving it a glossy appearance similar to stainless steel models.

Surprisingly, recently leaker "yeux1122" revealed that Apple is researching a new processing method for titanium frames. 'Unlike the 15 Pro models, the iPhone 16 Pro models are said to have improved titanium machining and color processing. So maybe it will be changed to a more polished material, rather than a scratch-resistant outer layer,' account yeux1122 wrote.

Apple Insider commented that if this rumor is true, the changes will certainly be very obvious. The current iPhone 15 Pro's titanium shell will be replaced with a smoother, even glossier one, closer to the stainless steel Apple used previously. But the difference is that stainless steel is more susceptible to scratches, while the polished titanium frame will be more scratch-resistant than the iPhone 15 Pro.

Besides, the new shell will also address complaints from iPhone 15 Pro users who are disappointed that the titanium frame changes color when exposed to natural oils from human skin.

Although the titanium frame was chosen by Apple as the durable frame material because of its super durable and super light properties, this metal is also noted for its ability to change color. Going through a process called anodizing, the surface of titanium reacts with air and creates very thin oxide layers, which scatter light and give the metal a remarkably colored finish. amazing.

But according to Associate Professor Walter Navarrini of Milan Polytechnic University, one of the major disadvantages of using titanium is that it leads to 'color changes due to oil stains on the surface'.

In other words, when titanium comes into contact with bare hands, thin layers of oil can stick to the surface, causing the same effect. The oily layer will scatter light, clearly showing fingerprints and smudges. New shadow frame technology will solve this.

Previously, many rumors indicated that the iPhone 16's rear camera cluster would have major changes. It is arranged vertically instead of diagonally like today, with a raised, pill-like surface.

The change makes the iPhone 16's camera layout quite similar to the iPhone XS and earlier. With vertical camera layout. Another outstanding detail on the iPhone 16 model is the new button to control the camera, temporarily called Capture and located on the right side, below the power button. While the other buttons are physical, the Capture button most likely uses force-sensing technology because it lies flat against the chassis.

Many speculate that the touch format helps the Capture button simulate the effect of half-pressing to focus, or swiping to control the zoom level.

Because it is still in the pre-production stage, Apple can create many different designs, some details may change on the official version.

Jessica Tanner

Update 04 April 2024