While Apple's upcoming iPhone 15 Pro models are to use titanium frames, and in fact, patented 'colored' titanium alloys, other Apple patents have pointed to Macs and Apple Watch eventually using titanium (as noted in the Apple patent figure below), even with matte finishes. Perhaps in an extreme black matte finish.

In a new press release from IperionX, we learn that titanium is prized for its high strength-to-weight ratio, resistance to high temperatures and corrosion. Titanium is a critical material for many U.S. defense systems, including military fighter aircraft and engines, naval platforms and military ground vehicles. Titanium’s superior strength-to-weight and corrosion resistance offers scope for future U.S. Army ground vehicles to be lighter, more mobile and with enhanced range and durability in the field.

The United States has very limited domestic primary titanium metal (titanium sponge) capacity and currently imports over 95% of the titanium sponge required for the U.S. defense sector. IperionX plans to re-shore a fully integrated titanium supply chain to the U.S., reduce the acute reliance on titanium imports from foreign nations, and strengthen the domestic titanium supply chain. 

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) is actively pursuing alternatives to the current import-dependent supply chain for titanium metal and alloys. The DoD aims to establish domestic operations from mining, processing, and refining of ore, as well as the recycling of scrap titanium. The optimal domestic titanium supply chain will provide a wide range of products - including titanium powder, ingots, bars, and plate – at higher energy efficiency, lower costs, and lower environmental impacts

While the first half of the IperionX press release focuses on the company producing titanium plates for U.S. Army vehicles, the second half of the press release describes the creation of a U.S. based titanium supply chain in that includes recycling which could be of great interest to Apple should they decide to advance titanium to a wider variety of devices. While there's no direct connection to Apple today,  lower costs and lower environmental impacts would be other reasons for Apple to be involved in supporting this new supply chain.

The timing of Apple beginning to introduce titanium into their device lineup and the beginning of a new supply chain being developed in the U.S. for producing lower cost titanium and a recycling program seems awfully coincidental and worth noting. This initiative also seems to be a custom fit for Apple.   

One more thing: When you visit the IperionX website, they have a segment titled "Why Titanium?."  In it, they illustrate where their patented titanium could be used far beyond defense contracts such as decarbonizing EV's, medical devices, watches, satellites, sporting bikes and … "Strengthening & Decarbonizing Modern Consumer Products" that just happens to illustrate a MacBook, iPhone and AirPods." Coincidence? I think not, but only time will tell.