Rumored iPhone 17 Camera Bar Redesign: Everything We Know So Far
A new image leak claims to support rumors of a significant camera bar redesign for the iPhone 17 or the iPhone 17 Slim. However, the rumor still seems far from credible.
In December, speculation began circulating about Apple radically changing the camera design on the iPhone 17. While these claims initially appeared unlikely, they have resurfaced after a blurry photo emerged online.
The Leaked Image: What We See
The image, shared by serial leaker Majin Bu on X, shows two smartphone-like devices under a plastic sheet. Both devices feature Apple logos centrally positioned on their backs, consistent with Apple’s design aesthetic.
At the top of each device is a wide, rounded black bar instead of the traditional corner camera bump. The bar includes a large hole on one side and a smaller one on the opposite side — possibly for camera lenses and other sensors.
Majin Bu described the devices as reflecting the rumored iPhone 17 design but stated uncertainty about the image’s authenticity. According to Bu, the leak aligns with previous design rumors.
However, Bu’s history of leaks raises questions about credibility. For instance, Bu previously claimed the iPhone 15 would feature dual front-facing cameras, which turned out to be false.
Additional Sources of the Leak
Majin Bu does not appear to be the original source of this image. A video on Bilibili dated January 17 by “Tech-Show” includes the full image of the two devices. In the video, these models are referred to as the “iPhone 17 Slim,” a thinner variant of the iPhone.
However, the video doesn’t show actual prototypes. Instead, it presents a single, possibly AI-generated image sourced from the “public Internet.”
The Credibility Problem
The lack of a verifiable source for the image casts doubt on its legitimacy. Historically, speculative iPhone designs have been modeled by accessory manufacturers preparing for new products. With advancements in AI-generated imagery and 3D modeling, such low-quality leaks are increasingly easy to fabricate.
The Rumors So Far
The idea of a camera bar for the iPhone 17 isn’t new. The concept, which resembles designs used by Apple’s competitors, involves spreading the camera sensors across the back of the device rather than clustering them in a corner.
In late 2023, Weibo-based leaker “Digital Chat Station” claimed that supply chain materials hinted at this redesign. A mock-up showed a camera bump near the top of the device, echoing the current leak. Around the same time, another Weibo user, “Jukanlosreve,” shared an image of a supposed iPhone frame. While the latter provided a clearer view, its authenticity also remains questionable.
Challenges of the Design
While the rumors are gaining traction, significant practical limitations make this redesign seem unlikely. Cameras are bulky components that require substantial internal space, which explains the existence of the traditional camera bump on current iPhones.
The proposed camera bar would occupy the space typically used by other essential components, such as the TrueDepth camera system for Face ID. Since iPhones have limited internal space, relocating the front-facing camera system to accommodate the new bump design seems impractical.
One possibility is that the iPhone 17 Slim could use fewer cameras, reducing the space required for the camera module. This would create room for the TrueDepth system to coexist with the camera bar. However, even this compromise seems unlikely for Apple, a company known for prioritizing functionality over aesthetic experiments.
What’s Next?
With more than six months until the iPhone 17 lineup is expected to launch, there’s plenty of time for additional leaks to surface. As the release date approaches, more credible sources may emerge, shedding light on the true design of Apple’s next-generation smartphones.
Until then, any rumors should be taken with a grain of salt. Apple is famously secretive about its designs, and only the company truly knows what’s in store until the official unveiling.
For now, the practicality and authenticity of the camera bar redesign remain questionable. But as the leaks continue, we may gain more clarity about whether this radical redesign is truly part of Apple’s plans.
