Grade 5 titanium, also known as the ‘workhorse’ grade of titanium, is highly regarded for its exceptional tensile strength. It is the most widely used type of titanium and accounts for about half of the global titanium production. This versatile material finds applications in various industries, including medicine, maritime, aerospace, and chemical processing. Moreover, it has been utilized in sporting equipment and aircraft turbines among other things.

At an event, Yang revealed that Grade 5 titanium is “an alloy with even higher tensile strength than pure titanium. It is typically used in applications where strength, formability, and weight balance are crucial. Interestingly, this is the same alloy deployed in the Mars Rover.” Its usage in collecting samples on Mars speaks volumes about the material. Furthermore, Yang discussed how this alloy possesses one of the highest strength-to-weight ratios among all metals.

This is likely the primary reason behind Apple’s choice. Grade 5 titanium offers strength and lightweight properties, enabling the tech giant to design the iPhone 15 Pro with a slimmer, lighter, and more durable framework. Thanks to this alloy, the new smartphone features a compact profile without compromising structural integrity. Additionally, it reduces the overall weight of the device while maintaining the same screen size.