Recent leaks suggest that Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 series, expected to launch in September 2025, will feature significant design changes, particularly in the rear camera module.
The iPhone 17 Pro models may adopt a horizontal, pill-shaped camera island positioned centrally at the top of the device’s back panel, which is a departure from the current triangular camera arrangement seen in recent iPhones.
This new layout is anticipated to house multiple lenses in a horizontal arrangement, potentially improving both aesthetics and functionality.
The visor-like design depicted in the leaked iPhone 17 image bears a striking resemblance to the camera module layout of Google Pixel smartphones. In contrast, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus feature vertically aligned elliptical rear camera units, while the Pro models retain the square camera islands that have been a hallmark of Apple’s design since the iPhone 11.
A previous leak suggested that this rumored redesign might be intended to accommodate the “front structure light,” which is likely related to Face ID functionality.
In addition to the camera module redesign, Apple is reportedly planning to revert to an aluminum frame for the iPhone 17 Pro models, moving away from the titanium used in the iPhone 15 Pro series. This change is expected to offer a smoother transition between the back panel and the device’s sides.
The rear of the iPhone 17 Pro is said to combine aluminum and glass, with the top section housing the camera module made of aluminium and the bottom part composed of glass to support wireless charging.
Another exciting development is the rumored introduction of a new model in the iPhone 17 lineup, tentatively called the iPhone 17 Air or iPhone 17 Slim. This device is expected to be thinner than current models, featuring a 6.6-inch display, an A19 chip, a single 48-megapixel rear camera, a 24-megapixel front camera, Face ID, and 8 GB of RAM.
The iPhone 17 Air is anticipated to replace the iPhone 17 Plus in the product lineup.
While these leaks offer an exciting glimpse into the future of the iPhone, they should be taken with caution until official announcements are made by Apple.