Mockups of iPhone 17 Models Hint at Major Design Changes: Video Explains
YouTuber iDeviceHelp recently shared a video showcasing mockups of Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 lineup. These mockups are said to be based on “internal documents” and were created in collaboration with well-known leaker Majin Bu. Last month, Majin Bu released similar iPhone 17 renders that were widely supported by other leakers with ties to Apple’s Chinese supply chain.
A New Camera Design for iPhone 17 Pro Models
According to reports, Apple is giving its iPhone 17 Pro models a fresh camera design. Instead of the usual square camera bump, the new Pro models are expected to feature a sleek aluminum bar that spans the width of the device. This eye-catching redesign is a significant departure from Apple’s current camera aesthetics.
The changes don’t stop there—Apple is also introducing the iPhone 17 Air, which will replace the Plus variant in its lineup. The mockups show that, for this model, the button placements remain the same as the iPhone 16 series. The video even offers a side-by-side comparison of the iPhone 17 Air with other models in the lineup, giving us a better sense of its size and design.
iPhone 17 Air: Thin, Sleek, and New
The iPhone 17 Air is rumored to feature a 6.6-inch display, making it larger than the base iPhone 17 but smaller than the iPhone 17 Pro Max. According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the device will be just 5.5mm thick at its thinnest point, with a chassis to match. However, the rear camera bump will likely be thicker.
Unlike the Pro models, the base iPhone 17 is expected to retain the same camera design as the iPhone 16 series. This is likely Apple’s way of further distinguishing their premium models from their standard offerings.
Material Upgrades and Environmental Considerations
Apple supply chain analyst Jeff Pu has stated that the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max will all feature aluminum frames. However, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to stand out with a titanium frame—a material that was first introduced with Apple’s Pro models in 2023. Pu suggests that Apple’s decision to use aluminum for the Pro models stems from environmental considerations.
Reverse Charging and MagSafe Challenges
Apple is reportedly testing a reverse wireless charging feature for the iPhone 17 Pro models, which could allow the phone to charge other Apple devices. However, iDeviceHelp raises questions about whether Apple can include MagSafe magnets in the iPhone 17 Air due to its ultra-thin design.
What’s Next?
While these mockups offer an exciting preview of the iPhone 17 lineup, their accuracy won’t be confirmed until Apple officially unveils the series in September. Until then, we’ll be keeping an eye out for more leaks and updates.
Watch the full video from iDeviceHelp for a closer look at these iPhone 17 mockups: Watch here.
