[mkroman]

One thing I haven't seen discussed is the thermal properties of this expected Ti-6Al-4V alloy.

According to these specs, the alloys thermal conductivity is 6.7 W/m-K: https://asm.matweb.com/search/SpecificMaterial.asp?bassnum=m...

Whereas 6063-T6 aluminium has a thermal conductivity of 200 W/m-K: https://asm.matweb.com/search/SpecificMaterial.asp?bassnum=M...

Even if the alloy in the iPhone is a bit more of an exotic blend, won't it still impact the cooling ability of the phone quite significantly?

[huijzer]

Good point! Maybe that explains why they chose it only for the bands. People touch the phone the most at the outsides, so this sounds like a great trade-off between allowing the phone to cool itself (via the aluminum back) while not being hot or cold to the touch when holding it.

[indemnity]

Well, the predecessor is stainless steel, which I imagine is closer to the Ti number, and in my experience with 12/13 Pro it's always the back that throws off heat, not the frame.

Anyhow, just the frame is this material, inside its Al.

[layer8]

Probably a little, but the titanium is only the outer side bands. Most of the heat dissipation happens from the front and back of the phone.

And Ti-6Al-4V is not an exotic blend, it’s a standard alloy.