Tech enthusiasts were probably excited to see the recent launch of Apple’s new iPhone 15 series and all the changes they have made in the new model. Apart from an improved camera, the best chip they have made so far built in and the switch to a USB-C as part of EU's attempt to reduce e-waste in the long run, another change that stands out is the use of a grade 5 titanium frame. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at this transition from aluminium to titanium, and consider factors such as environmental impact, durability, weight and the overall user experience. Quick Links Aluminium vs titanium comparison Which metal is more sustainable - aluminium or titanium? Is the new titanium iPhone better? Eco-friendly phone cases for the new titanium iPhone Aluminium vs titanium comparison When deciding between aluminium and titanium for different purposes, it's important to understand the key differences and considerations associated with these materials. Aluminium's versatility and drawbacks Aluminium has long been the traditional go-to material when it comes to iPhone chassis. This material is widely used and can also be found in kitchen utensils, cans, aeroplane parts, outdoor gear and other electronics due to its properties. It is lightweight, durable, malleable and resistant to corrosion. Although it’s a great material overall, it has some disadvantages too. Since it is a good conductor, it can be uncomfortable to hold it in extreme temperatures, either high or low. It is also softer compared to some other metals which means it could be scratched and dented more easily. The process of aluminium mining requires a lot of energy and has a negative impact on the environment, but this is also true for titanium. Titanium's strength and durability Titanium has found its use in human implants due to its biocompatibility, as well as in aircraft, spacecraft, jewellery, eyeglasses, outdoor gear and electronics. Compared to aluminium, it is much stronger and more durable. It is in fact as strong as steel, but almost 50% lighter. Titanium has higher corrosion resistance than aluminium and it can withstand more extreme temperatures. Products made from titanium last longer than the ones made from aluminium. When it comes to the production process, aluminium takes the win, as it is much easier to handle, cut and shape than titanium. Which metal is more sustainable - aluminium or titanium? As for their eco-friendliness, that can depend on various factors, such as the entire life cycle of the product and how it is disposed of or recycled. Both these metals are recyclable, but in general, titanium is often considered more eco-friendly than aluminium. Titanium might have a higher initial environmental impact because of the challenging extraction process, but since it's more durable and corrosion-resistant, it lasts longer. This longevity can offset the initial environmental cost, making it more sustainable in the long run. Aluminium, while lighter and easier to extract, has its drawbacks in terms of recycling and overall durability. Popular eco-friendly iPhone 15 cases iPhone 15 iPhone 15 Pro iPhone 15 Pro Max iPhone 15 Plus Is the new titanium iPhone better? Now that we have compared these two metals in general, let’s see what the shift to Grade 5 titanium frame means for the newly owners of iPhone 15. Titanium's added strength As we have mentioned, titanium is a metal with exceptional strength, low density, biocompatibility, and resistance to corrosion. Grade 5, used in iPhone 15, is an alloy of titanium with 6% Aluminium and 4% Vanadium, which enhances its strength even more. It is the same alloy that spacecraft use on missions to Mars. In comparison to standard commercial pure titanium (Grade 1 or Grade 2), Grade 5 Titanium is twice as strong due to its aluminium and vanadium composition. Grade 5 also surpasses regular titanium in corrosion resistance, particularly against wear and fatigue. Additionally, it seems that titanium has just the right level of flexibility, compared to steel which can be too hard, or aluminium which can be too flexible, and this quality provides better resilience against bending or deformations to your beloved gadget. All this, and the fact that it is less likely that you will see marks of your fingertips on the titanium frame due to its new brushed finish, will likely make your phone look new for a long time. Improved ergonomics of the new titanium iPhone Another thing many users will probably appreciate and find appealing is that, by using grade 5 titanium, Apple has managed to create a thinner chassis which makes holding the phone in your hand more comfortable and gives the screen a more expansive look. Titanium iPhone 15 is lighter and more comfortable When it comes to weight, we have good news too. Although at first, it might not seem much, the weight reduction of almost 10% compared to older Pro models does make a difference, considering how much time we spend with our phones in our hands. The iPhone 15 Pro weighs 187 grams, which is 19 grams less than the iPhone 14 Pro. Also, the iPhone 15 Pro Max weighs 221 grams, while the iPhone 14 Pro Max weighs 240 grams. For eco-conscious consumers, it might be worth mentioning that the internal frame of the phone is made from 100% recycled aluminium, which is in line with Apple’s 2030 climate goals. All in all, the final verdict is that the new iPhone 15 made with a titanium frame does seem like an improved version of its predecessors as it is lighter, better looking, more comfortable in your hand, and is supposed to be more durable and bend-resistant. Let’s make the new titanium iPhone more sustainable While it can be debatable whether aluminium or titanium is a more sustainable choice of material, if you are concerned about this topic and the environment, you can choose to go green with iPhone 15 eco-friendly phone cases. Instead of buying a plastic phone case to protect your new phone, why not opt for one of our eco-friendly iPhone 15 cases which are plant-based and 100% circular? You can walk into the new season in style by choosing one of our Fall Phone Cases, designed in collaboration with different artists. If you already have an iPhone 14 phone case and are not sure if it will fit the new iPhone 15, you can check it here ( can iPhone 14 case fit the new iPhone 15 case). If you need additional protection to your phone, our tempered glass screen protector made from material that contains 46% recycled glass will provide it. Browse our iPhone 15 case collections iPhone 15 Cases iPhone 15 Pro Cases iPhone 15 Pro Max Cases iPhone 15 Plus Cases Final thoughts Although something as simple as opting for a plant-based phone case instead of a plastic one might seem like a small step, it will be a step in the right direction- toward reducing plastic waste and plastic pollution and contributing to a greener future. Here at agood company, we're all about understanding the lifecycle of products and how it connects with sustainability. We want to tell you how we handle the end-of-life (EOL) of products in a way that's eco-friendly. We use strategies like reusing products, giving old materials new life, recycling, and even turning waste into energy — all in line with agood company design principles. We're dedicated to avoiding landfills, which is essential to minimise the harm they can cause to the environment. Our focus is on reducing waste, saving resources, and making sure our planet stays healthy and green for a long time.