Why did Apple remove two features that were heavily advertised on the iPhone?

Throughout the history of iPhone development, Apple has always prided itself on being a company that knows how to create trends instead of following the market.

However, that also caused the company to make controversial decisions many times, such as abandoning the 3.5mm headphone jack, killing Touch ID, or removing the charger from the box.

And recently, the iPhone has witnessed two more unexpected changes: the titanium shell has been discontinued, and Dynamic Island - a feature that was once heavily promoted - is about to disappear.

This is not just a story about a few design changes, but also clearly reflects how Apple is reshaping its products in the context of a gradually saturated smartphone market and increasingly fierce competitive pressure.

Goodbye titanium - the "high-end symbol" is eliminated

With the iPhone 15 Pro, Apple made a big splash when it first introduced titanium. From launch events, advertising to real-life experiences, titanium has always been described as a leap forward in design: lighter than stainless steel, more durable than aluminum, and bringing a special premium feel. Many users consider this a distinct mark of the Pro line, even the main reason to upgrade the device.

However, after only two generations, the iPhone 17 has said goodbye to titanium. The reason may come from high production costs and supply chain barriers. In the context of Apple facing the threat of tariffs and increasingly uncontrollable smartphone prices, cutting out expensive materials can help maintain a more "affordable" price.

However, this move has disappointed many people. Because titanium is not only a material but also a symbol. Apple has put a lot of effort into emphasizing the luxury and durability of the titanium shell, but now, the decision to remove it has shaken the image of "premium positioning".

Dynamic Island - from creative icon to “victim” of trends

If titanium is an aesthetic element, Dynamic Island is a software and user experience innovation. When Apple launched the iPhone 14 Pro with Dynamic Island, the company turned the front camera cutout, which was considered a weak point in the design, into a utility feature. Dynamic Island not only hides the flaw, but also turns it into a smart information display tool, from notifications, directions, to music controls.

For a short time, Dynamic Island became the “specialty” of the iPhone. It helped the iPhone differentiate itself from a series of Android smartphones that followed the simple “hole-punch” trend. But according to many reports, Apple will remove Dynamic Island from the iPhone 18, replacing it with a compact punch-hole design for the camera.

Technically, this choice makes sense, as the smaller punch hole would result in a more seamless display, in line with the “all-screen” trend that Apple has long pursued. However, the problem lies in consistency.

Apple once touted Dynamic Island as a breakthrough experience, but just a few years later, the company is ready to kill it. This raises the question of whether Apple really cares about long-term product vision, or is simply experimenting and constantly changing?

Strategy or confusion?

The removal of the titanium and Dynamic Island could be seen as a strategic move to prepare for the 20th anniversary iPhone era, where Apple is expected to launch a completely new design, possibly without any cutouts on the screen. But in the present, many users feel that Apple is contradicting itself, promoting it loudly and then backtracking in such a short time.

This isn’t the first time Apple has faced criticism like this. The company once praised the butterfly keyboard on its MacBooks, only to quickly abandon it after users complained. Such circular changes have left many loyal customers feeling that Apple lacks consistency in its product vision.

The disappearance of titanium and Dynamic Island from the iPhone is more than just a change in materials or design. It reflects how Apple is struggling to balance innovation, manufacturing costs, and brand positioning.

In some ways, these decisions may make economic sense, as titanium is so expensive that Dynamic Island is no longer needed when full-screen displays are the norm. But in terms of customer experience and trust, Apple is making a big trade-off.

iPhone users expect Apple to deliver lasting innovations, not just “try it and throw it away.” The company’s quick abandonment of two highly praised features has called into question its image as a “trendsetter.”

Is this just a tactical retreat to prepare for the 20th anniversary of the iPhone, or is Apple truly lacking a long-term direction? The answer will probably become clear when the next generation of iPhones is launched. But one thing is certain: every time Apple removes a heavily promoted feature, user confidence is shaken a little more./.