Apple has taken a daring step with the introduction of titanium in their latest iPhone 15 Pro Max, a decision that has sparked both excitement and concerns among tech enthusiasts. Titanium is celebrated for its extraordinary properties, making it a material of choice in industries ranging from aerospace to medicine. Its biocompatibility allows it to be used in medical applications like artificial joints and bone repair, and its strength is sufficient for constructing interstellar spacecraft and robotic explorers. On a personal note, I have a ring made from titanium reclaimed from a wheelchair, showcasing its versatility and durability. However, Apple’s choice of titanium for the iPhone 15 Pro Max isn’t without its quirks, as I discovered during my detailed exploration of this device.
Titanium is not just one material but a family of alloys, each with unique characteristics. The grade of titanium used can drastically influence its properties and applications. Grade 1 titanium, for example, is the softest and most affordable, making it easier to machine and shape. Given Apple’s penchant for precision engineering and premium materials, I initially assumed they would opt for this grade to balance cost and functionality. However, Apple surprised us by choosing Grade 5 titanium for the iPhone 15 Pro Max—a much stronger, more expensive variant known for its use in high-performance applications.
To put this in perspective, a one-inch titanium bar of Grade 5 costs approximately $170, whereas a similarly sized 6061 aluminum bar, commonly used in smartphones, costs around $10. This stark difference in material cost underscores Apple’s commitment to using premium materials, even at the expense of higher production costs. The choice of Grade 5 titanium suggests that Apple aimed to combine strength with luxury, delivering a product that not only looks and feels premium but also boasts superior durability—at least in theory.
Opening the box of the iPhone 15 Pro Max is an experience in itself. The packaging is minimalistic yet elegant, reflecting Apple’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability. The first thing that catches the eye is the sleek blue titanium finish of the phone, which is eerily similar to a shade I produced in my own experiments, though slightly different in tone. Apple has also made a significant shift in its accessories, replacing the traditional Lightning cable with a braided USB-C cable. This move signals a broader adoption of USB-C ports across the industry, potentially setting a new standard for future devices.
The phone’s design is undeniably robust, with brushed titanium sides that exude a sense of strength and durability. The back of the device features etched glass, and Apple claims that this is the strongest glass ever used in a smartphone, dubbed “ceramic shield.” To test this claim, I subjected the screen to a scratch test using the Mohs scale, where plastic typically scratches at a level 2 or 3, glass at 5 or 6, and sapphire at 8 or 9. The ceramic shield held up well, scratching at a level 6 with deeper grooves appearing at level 7. However, the scratches were less pronounced than expected, indicating a significant improvement in durability compared to previous models.
One of the most talked-about features of the iPhone 15 Pro Max is its titanium frame. Apple has applied a Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coating to the titanium sides, adding an ultra-thin protective layer intended to enhance durability. However, despite this coating, the titanium frame proved to be susceptible to scratches, much like anodized aluminum. Interestingly, the 5G antenna slot on the frame was impervious to these scratches, suggesting that it may be made from a different, more resilient material. This raises questions about the overall durability of the titanium frame, particularly in everyday use where the phone is likely to be exposed to keys, coins, and other abrasive objects.
The power button and the new action button, both integrated into the titanium frame, also showed signs of wear after minimal use. Despite Apple’s claims of spending 14 hours meticulously applying this finish, I was able to remove it with a simple jerry-rigged knife in a matter of seconds. This disparity highlights the vulnerability of even the most carefully crafted surfaces, suggesting that while the titanium frame is a step forward in terms of material innovation, it may not be as durable in the real world as Apple intends.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is not just about its build quality; it also boasts significant upgrades in its camera and AI features. The main camera features a 48-megapixel sensor with a nano-scale coating designed to reduce glare and improve image clarity. The standout, however, is the 12-megapixel 5x tetraprism telephoto lens, which uses a complex system of mirrors to reflect light four times before it reaches the sensor. This design provides enhanced stabilization, particularly useful for long-range shots. Additionally, the ultra-wide camera, also 12 megapixels, works in tandem with the telephoto lens to generate spatial video, a feature that harks back to the HTC Evo 3D from over a decade ago.
During my teardown, I plan to explore these camera innovations further, particularly the spatial video capabilities. Apple’s claim that the back glass is easily removable for repairs is a commendable step towards making the device more repairable. However, it also reveals that the internal structure is made from 100% recycled aluminum, suggesting that the frame is not entirely solid Grade 5 titanium. This hybrid approach may explain some of the frame’s limitations, balancing cost and performance while still delivering a product that meets Apple’s stringent quality standards.
One of the most critical aspects of any smartphone is its durability, especially for a premium device like the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The phone features a 6.7-inch OLED display with an impressive 2000 nits of outdoor brightness and a 120 Hz refresh rate, making it one of the most advanced screens on the market. However, its structural integrity under pressure is another matter entirely.
In my durability test, the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s frame did not fare well. Most modern smartphones, particularly iPhones, are incredibly resilient to bending and other forms of physical stress. However, the iPhone 15 Pro Max snapped abnormally quickly under pressure, which was both unexpected and concerning for a flagship device. The titanium frame’s high tensile strength combined with its low elasticity, coupled with the back glass, proved to be a fatal flaw when subjected to stress. This quick failure raises serious concerns about the phone’s ability to withstand everyday wear and tear, particularly in situations where it might be subjected to accidental drops or impacts.
To further understand the properties of the titanium frame, I exposed the iPhone 15 Pro Max to extreme heat using a MAP gas torch. Titanium is known for its high heat resistance, and the frame did not disappoint. As the temperature rose, the titanium began to change colors, a phenomenon known as oxidation, which confirmed its authenticity. However, the phone’s circuitry and screen were not as resilient, suffering damage long before the titanium frame showed any signs of weakness.
The choice of Grade 5 titanium, while impressive on paper, raises questions about its practicality in a consumer device. Scaling a small piece of Grade 5 titanium to a block large enough to mill a phone frame would cost nearly $2,000, not including the complexity of shaping it. This expense makes it unlikely that Apple is using solid Grade 5 titanium for the entire frame. Instead, it’s more plausible that they’ve employed a titanium-aluminum hybrid, which allows them to retain some benefits of titanium while managing costs. This approach makes sense from a manufacturing perspective but also explains why the frame’s performance under stress is not as robust as one might expect from a material known for its strength.
Owning a titanium iPhone 15 Pro Max is a statement of luxury and innovation, but it also comes with practical challenges. The phone’s finish is prone to scratches, and its structural integrity is compromised under pressure. While the titanium frame is undoubtedly impressive, it may not be the best choice for a device that needs to withstand the rigors of daily life. The modular glass design is a positive step forward, potentially reducing repair costs, but the overall durability of the device remains a concern.
For users who want to showcase the titanium frame, using a clear case might seem like an obvious choice. However, most clear cases turn yellow over time due to photooxidation, detracting from the phone’s aesthetic appeal. Dbrand’s never-yellowing ghost case offers a viable solution, maintaining the phone’s sleek look while providing essential protection. Still, the question remains: is the premium price of a titanium iPhone worth the trade-offs in durability and repairability?
Interestingly, the regular iPhone 15 Pro does not suffer from the same structural issues as the Max version. In durability tests, the smaller model withstood strong bends from both the back and front without compromising its integrity. This suggests that the titanium-aluminum hybrid structure works better in the smaller model, where the forces exerted on the frame are less extreme. This difference highlights the challenges Apple faces in scaling materials for larger devices, where the properties of the material must be balanced with the overall design and engineering requirements.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max, with its titanium frame, represents Apple’s ongoing push for innovation and the use of premium materials. However, this bold choice brings both benefits and drawbacks. The titanium frame, while strong and aesthetically pleasing, compromises the phone’s overall durability, making it more susceptible to damage under pressure. The high cost of Grade 5 titanium further complicates its practical application, raising questions about whether the benefits truly outweigh the costs.
While the iPhone 15 Pro Max boasts impressive features, including advanced camera systems, a stunning display, and a sleek design, its real-world durability remains questionable. As Apple continues to refine its approach, finding the right balance between innovation and practicality will be crucial for future devices. For now, users who choose the titanium iPhone 15 Pro Max should handle it with care and consider investing in protective measures to maintain their investment.
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In summary, while the titanium iPhone 15 Pro Max is an engineering marvel, its practicalities in daily use warrant careful consideration. For those intrigued by this innovative material, understanding its limitations is just as important as appreciating its strengths.
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