Apple iPhone 17 Pro: Major Design Overhaul Confirmed?

Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 Pro models could see a dramatic design shift, and a newly leaked image appears to confirm the biggest rumored change. Here’s everything we know so far.

A Horizontal Camera Bar Inspired by Pixel?

The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are rumored to feature a horizontal camera bar, reminiscent of Google’s Pixel series. This bar is expected to span the entire width of the back, housing the triple-camera setup, flash, microphone, and LiDAR sensor in a sleek triangular arrangement.

While the reason behind Apple adopting this new design isn’t yet clear, the rumors are gaining traction. A leaked image, shared on X (formerly Twitter) by Majin Bu, shows what appears to be CNC-machined aluminum or titanium chassis parts for the iPhone 17 Pro Max. The large circular cutouts in the chassis likely correspond to internal components such as the MagSafe coil or battery, further supporting these rumors.

Aluminum Frames Making a Comeback?

Reports suggest Apple might switch back to aluminum frames for the iPhone 17 Pro series, moving away from the titanium used in the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro models. The rumored design could feature a half-glass, half-aluminum build to improve durability.

This hybrid approach would allow wireless charging to remain functional while making the phone less prone to breakage. Additionally, there’s speculation of a glass section around the Apple logo integrated into the metal chassis. The circular openings in the leaked image might be related to these changes—or potentially a new feature entirely.

Reverse Wireless Charging on the Way?

Another exciting rumor is the potential introduction of reverse wireless charging. Apple has reportedly tested a 7.5W reverse wireless charging feature for the iPhone 17 Pro, allowing the device to wirelessly charge other Apple products like AirPods or the Apple Watch. Currently, iPhones can only provide 4.5W of power to these devices via USB-C, so this would represent a significant upgrade.

The Camera Redesign Extends to iPhone 17 Air

This horizontal camera bar design isn’t limited to the Pro models. The thinner, upcoming iPhone 17 Air—set to replace the Plus variant—is also rumored to adopt a similar design. However, it will likely feature a single camera lens, making it a more streamlined option for users who don’t need a triple-camera setup.

Meanwhile, the base iPhone 17 is expected to retain the current camera design featured in the iPhone 16 series, creating a clearer distinction between Apple’s standard and premium models.

Launch Timeline

Apple is expected to officially unveil the iPhone 17 lineup next September. With these major design changes and potential new features, it’s shaping up to be an exciting release!