iPhone 17 Series Leak: Radical Redesign for Pro Models, New ‘Air’ Variant, and Big Upgrades!

The iPhone 17 series is expected to bring significant design changes, especially for the Pro models, which will feature a large rectangular camera island, making them easily distinguishable from previous generations. Interestingly, the Pro models might also become more compact despite the recent increase in size with the iPhone 16 Pro series. Apple is reportedly replacing the Plus model with the iPhone 17 Air, a slimmer variant featuring a single-lens camera housed in a sleek horizontal bar, reminiscent of Google’s Pixel phones.

However, the standard iPhone 17 is likely to retain the iPhone 16’s design, making it the only model without a major visual overhaul. Under the hood, the iPhone 17 and 17 Air will be powered by Apple’s new A19 chip, while the Pro models will feature the more powerful A19 Pro processor. The Pro models are also rumored to sport 48-megapixel sensors across all four cameras, enhancing photography and video capabilities. A major upgrade for non-Pro models could be the introduction of ProMotion (120Hz refresh rate) displays, a feature previously reserved for the Pro lineup.

Additionally, Apple is reportedly testing reverse wireless charging for the Pro models, allowing users to charge accessories like AirPods by placing them on the back of the device. In a notable shift, Apple may move away from titanium and return to aluminum across the entire iPhone 17 lineup. With these changes, the iPhone 17 series is shaping up to be one of Apple’s most unique lineups in years, with a launch expected in September 2025.

 

iPhone 17 Series Leak: Radical Redesign for Pro Models, New ‘Air’ Variant, and Big Upgrades!

• Major Design Overhaul for Pro Models
• iPhone 17 Air: A Slim Variant with a Unique Camera Setup
• Standard iPhone 17 Retains Familiar Design
• Performance and Display Upgrades
• Material Change: Ditching Titanium
• Final Thoughts
• Camera-Centric Design: What to Expect from the iPhone 17 Pro Max

 

The iPhone 17 lineup appears to be one of Apple’s most daring design shifts in recent years, according to newly leaked CAD renders. The leak, shared by well-known tipster Majin Bu, highlights major structural changes, particularly for the Pro models, while also introducing a new variant called the iPhone 17 Air. However, not all models in the series are set to receive a dramatic overhaul, making this lineup one of the most visually varied in recent memory.

 

Major Design Overhaul for Pro Models

Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max are expected to feature a bold new rectangular camera island, departing from the long-standing square camera bump found in recent generations. This change makes the Pro models instantly recognizable while aligning with Apple’s continued focus on improving camera technology. Additionally, reports suggest that the Pro models could adopt a slightly more compact form factor, which is an interesting development, considering that the iPhone 16 Pro series recently increased in size.

 

iPhone 17 Air: A Slim Variant with a Unique Camera Setup

Apple is rumored to replace the Plus variant with a thinner model called the iPhone 17 Air. Unlike the Pro models, which feature multiple camera lenses, the 17 Air is expected to sport a single-lens rear camera housed within a sleek, horizontal camera bar. This design is reminiscent of Google’s Pixel lineup, giving it a distinct aesthetic compared to other iPhones.

 

Standard iPhone 17 Retains Familiar Design

Interestingly, while the Pro and Air models are receiving notable design upgrades, the base iPhone 17 is rumored to maintain a look similar to the iPhone 16, including its vertical camera bump. This makes it the only model in the series to stick to an existing design rather than embracing a new aesthetic.

 

Performance and Display Upgrades

In terms of hardware, the iPhone 17 and 17 Air are expected to be powered by Apple’s new 3nm A19 chipset, while the Pro models could be equipped with the more powerful A19 Pro chip. The Pro lineup may also feature 48-megapixel sensors across all four cameras—both front and rear—delivering improved photography and videography capabilities.

One of the most notable rumored upgrades is the expansion of ProMotion (120Hz refresh rate) to the standard iPhone 17 and 17 Air. Until now, high refresh rate displays have been reserved for Pro models, so this change would significantly enhance the display experience across more devices. Additionally, Apple is reportedly testing reverse wireless charging for the Pro models, allowing users to charge accessories like AirPods simply by placing them on the back of the phone.

 

Material Change: Ditching Titanium

Lastly, all iPhone 17 models are rumored to feature an aluminum build, marking a departure from the titanium material used in the iPhone 15 Pro and 16 Pro series.

With these leaks painting an intriguing picture of the iPhone 17 lineup, Apple’s September 2025 launch event is shaping up to be an exciting one.

Thoughts

With the iPhone 17 series, Apple seems to be taking an unconventional approach by introducing distinct designs for different models rather than maintaining uniformity across the lineup. The Pro models will showcase a bolder, more compact design with a unique camera island, while the Air variant will bring a sleek, minimalist look. Meanwhile, the base iPhone 17 will continue with a familiar aesthetic, making it an outlier in the lineup.

As Apple prepares for its September 2025 launch event, these leaks suggest that the company is focused on differentiating its models more than ever before, offering consumers a wider range of choices based on design, performance, and features.

 

Camera-Centric Design: What to Expect from the iPhone 17 Pro Max

Apple is set to unveil a new design with its upcoming iPhone 17 series, and recent insights into the iPhone 17 Pro Max and accompanying third-party cases shed light on these changes, particularly regarding the main camera.

 

Design Overview of the iPhone 17 Pro Max

Notable Apple commentator Sonny Dickson has shared renders of the iPhone 17 Pro Max, suggesting significant alterations, especially to the camera area. These renders reveal a larger camera island on the back of the phone, along with a dedicated space for the flash and sensors.

The rear camera retains the same three-lens setup as the current iPhone 16 Pro Max models. However, the newly launched iPhone 16e features a single-lens design, indicating that Apple might introduce similar functionalities in one or more of the lenses, potentially requiring a slight increase in camera hardware dimensions.

 

Camera Bar Design

This update results in a prominent camera bar across the back of the device, which is notably wider than those seen on many of Google’s Pixel smartphones. Despite initial concerns, the design has gained acceptance among the community following various leaks.

The camera bar is also anticipated on the iPhone 17 Air, which will adopt a slimmer design to replace the iPhone Plus model, though it will be narrower with just a single lens. The standard iPhone 17 is expected to maintain a design closer to that of the iPhone 16e.

 

Emphasis on Photography

While the final design may differ slightly from the renders, they reflect ongoing discussions about the iPhone’s refreshed look, particularly focusing on its photography capabilities. With the iPhone 16e hinting at new lens technology and the restructured camera island providing more space for advanced hardware, it’s clear that Apple aims to enhance its imaging capabilities significantly.

As we approach the expected September launch, it’s evident that photography will play a crucial role in the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s appeal. For the latest updates on the iPhone 17 Pro Max, MacBook, and iOS, check out Forbes’ weekly Apple news digest.