2022 iPhones may have new titanium chassis…on Pro models

The rumor: Apple may be adding an even more premium chassis on Pro iPhones next year, according to a new investor report from JP Morgan Chase (not yet tracked, via MacRumors).

  • Apple may be adding a titanium chassis on 2022 Pro iPhone models, a pricey material that Apple has only used on some Apple Watch models and Apple Card
  • Pro iPhones currently feature shiny and heavy stainless steel for a more premium look at feel over the aluminum found on lower-end iPhones

Our take: This is really interesting…but we have no idea how credible this really is as JP Morgan Chase rarely puts out new reports. I think it’s absolutely plausible, but I actually really like the reflective look of stainless steel now. I also just learned that titanium is also roughly 35x more expensive than stainless steel…so it would be a way for Apple to entice more users to upgrade to Pro.

All 2022 iPhones could get 120Hz-capable LTPO displays

The rumor: All 2022 iPhones will be getting low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) displays capable of varying refresh rates, according to The Elec (75% accurate, source).

  • A new supplier, potentially LG, will have a new production line capable of making LTPO displays ready for Apple’s lower-end 2022 iPhone models
  • Later this year, LTPO displays enabling a 120Hz refresh rate are coming to only the iPhones Pro

Our take: This sounds unlikely considering that 120Hz is the definition of a premium feature, but The Elec has a solid track record for these sorts of details. But I’m not convinced yet. For example, the Apple Watch Series 4 had an LTPO display, capable of always-on functionality, but Apple didn’t enable the future until a year later on Apple Watch Series 5.