Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 series is expected to bring some significant design changes, especially for the Pro models. The latest leaks have provided fresh insights into the possible design updates, with leaked images showing dummy units of the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Air, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. These images, shared by X (formerly Twitter) user Sonny Dickson, offer a closer look at the anticipated rear panel changes, which could be one of the most noticeable differences in this iteration.
Rear Panel Design and Materials
One of the standout design changes is the rear panel construction. While Apple’s current flagship models, including the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, feature a glass rear panel, it appears the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will adopt a dual-material design. The rear panels of these models are expected to be made of both glass and aluminium, a departure from the all-glass rear panel seen in the previous generation.
The glass is expected to cover the lower half of the device, which includes the MagSafe area, while the aluminium will likely surround this section and the raised camera module. This change could make the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max feel slightly different in hand compared to their predecessors. The raised camera island is also larger than before, suggesting that the camera technology is getting a significant upgrade.
Camera Module Changes
The enlarged rear camera island on the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max suggests improvements in the camera system. Apple is known for its focus on photography and videography features, so this change could indicate the inclusion of more advanced sensors or new camera technologies. The expanded camera island could also be designed to accommodate additional lenses or features, but the exact specifications remain unclear for now.
iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, and iPhone 17 Pro Max
While the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are expected to feature more noticeable design changes, the standard iPhone 17 model might not stray far from its predecessor. Leaked images indicate that the iPhone 17 will likely have a similar design to the iPhone 16, with few changes in its appearance. Notably, the iPhone 17 could be the only model in the series to retain a vertical camera layout, while other models will have horizontal camera modules.
The iPhone 17 Air, which is expected to replace the iPhone 16 Plus, is rumored to be Apple's slimmest phone yet. This model is anticipated to have a single rear camera, simplifying the design while making it a more affordable option in the lineup. The iPhone 17 Air’s case leaks hint at a Pixel-like rear camera design, which could offer a fresh aesthetic for Apple's budget-friendly model.
Display Sizes
The display sizes for the iPhone 17 series will likely vary. The iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro are expected to have a 6.3-inch display, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max will be the largest model in the series, offering an even bigger screen. The iPhone 17 Air will likely sit somewhere in the middle with its own screen size, although it is expected to be more compact compared to the Pro Max.
Other Features and Rumors
In addition to design changes, there are other interesting rumors surrounding the iPhone 17 series. Some reports suggest that Apple’s foldable iPhone might be in the works, which could debut with a new durable material for improved longevity. If Apple ventures into the foldable market, it would represent a major shift in iPhone design, making it a noteworthy product for the future.
Additionally, there are rumors that Apple’s upcoming 5G modem, which could debut in the iPhone 18 Pro models, might improve wireless performance and offer faster speeds. Some reports also speculate that the iPhone 17 series could be among the last to feature physical ports, as Apple may eventually move toward a portless iPhone, relying on wireless charging and data transfer instead.