The design of the iPhone is becoming increasingly outdated, with each annual release prompting memes about its unoriginal appearance. It appears that Apple has finally acknowledged this issue and may surprise consumers with a new rear design for the iPhone 17 series.
A rumor from the Chinese tipster Digital Chat Station, initially reported by Notebookcheckuggests that the iPhone 17 series, particularly the anticipated Air/Slim model, will feature a horizontal camera arrangement. An accompanying render of the iPhone 17 illustrates a device with a horizontally aligned camera setup positioned at the top of the phone. This represents a significant shift from the current square camera bump located in the top left corner of the iPhone 16 series.
While Digital Chat Station has a reasonably reliable track record, it is not without its flaws, making it difficult to completely disregard this leak, no matter how improbable it may seem.
iPhone 17: Leaked images appeared online
Moreover, additional leaks appear to support this design speculation. For example, an image purportedly showing an iPhone frame indicates that the iPhone 17 may adopt a camera island reminiscent of that found on Google Pixel devices. The leak suggests the ultra-wide angle sensor will sit at the center. This position likely avoids interfering with the Face ID area.
A report from November indicated that the iPhone 17 Pro is expected to have a larger rectangular camera bump. While current rumors do not suggest a rectangular camera arrangement, the overall implication of these leaks is that the traditional stovetop camera bump may soon be obsolete.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max will reportedly feature a smaller Dynamic Island. This change creates a fresh look. The redesigned camera strip adds to the updated aesthetic. This redesign could enhance its competitiveness against leading smartphones and help Apple regain any market share it may have ceded to Google or other Android devices.
There are also speculations that the Pro models might move away from titanium in favor of aluminum construction, although Digital Chat Station has challenged this claim. The rear design may feature a combination of aluminum and glass materials.
