Fresh leaks suggest the iPhone 17 series might adopt a Google Pixel-style camera island. Here’s everything we know about the iPhone 17 Air and iPhone 17 Pro design changes, camera upgrades, and more.
Table of Contents
Apple iPhone 17 Air & 17 Pro: Major Design Overhaul with Pixel-Inspired Camera Island?
As Apple gears up for the anticipated release of the iPhone 17 series, fresh leaks suggest a radical design change—one that closely resembles the rear camera island found on Google’s Pixel lineup. If these leaks are to be believed, the iPhone 17 Air and iPhone 17 Pro models could introduce a revamped rear camera setup, shifting away from Apple’s traditional design language.
iPhone 17 Series Leaks: A Pixel-Like Camera Redesign
According to leaked images and reports from industry insiders, the iPhone 17 Air will feature a slim, horizontally-aligned camera island, while the Pro Max variant will house a much larger camera module. This could mark one of the most significant design overhauls in recent iPhone history.
Key Takeaways from the iPhone 17 Leaks:
- iPhone 17 Air: Expected to have a single-lens rear camera in a slim camera island.
- iPhone 17 Pro & Pro Max: Likely to sport a larger camera bump featuring a triple-lens setup, flash, and microphone.
- Pixel-Influenced Design: The new module may resemble the horizontal camera bar found in Google’s Pixel 9.
- Enhanced Differentiation: The redesigned camera setup could help users easily distinguish between different iPhone 17 models.
Fact or Fiction? Apple Expert Weighs In
Renowned Apple analyst Mark Gurman, known for his accurate insights on Apple’s product development, has refuted the authenticity of these design changes. He claims that the leaked images are based on internal sketches and do not reflect Apple’s final decision. However, previous leaks from reliable sources like Sonny Dickson suggest that Apple is indeed experimenting with the new design.
What Could This Mean for the iPhone 17 Lineup?
- A shift towards a more distinct aesthetic to differentiate base and pro models.
- Possible improvements in camera functionality and performance, particularly in Pro models.
- Potential influence from competitors like Google, aligning with Apple’s occasional adoption of trends from the Android ecosystem.
Breaking Down the iPhone 17 Variants: What to Expect?
iPhone 17 Air: The Thinner, Lighter Flagship?
Leaks suggest that the iPhone 17 Air will be Apple’s thinnest and lightest flagship yet. If true, the following changes are expected:
- Single-lens camera system
- No Spatial Video support due to a lack of multiple lenses
- 48 MP primary camera, similar to the iPhone 16 models
iPhone 17 Pro & Pro Max: The Camera Powerhouses
The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are likely to feature the largest camera island ever on an iPhone, supporting:
- Triple-lens setup with LiDAR scanner
- Improved low-light photography capabilities
- Advanced spatial video recording for Vision Pro compatibility
Could Apple Retain Its Existing Camera Design?
Despite these leaks, Apple has a history of testing multiple prototypes before finalizing a design. While some sources suggest that the company is moving towards a Pixel-inspired camera island, it remains uncertain whether the final iteration of the iPhone 17 series will adopt this look.
Why Apple Might Stick to the Current Design:
- Apple’s traditional diagonal camera layout remains iconic and recognizable.
- A radical design shift might alienate long-time iPhone users.
- Apple often prioritizes incremental design changes over drastic redesigns.
Past iPhone Design Leaks vs. Reality
Historically, several iPhone design leaks have turned out to be inaccurate. For example:
- The iPhone 14 was rumored to feature a punch-hole camera, but Apple stuck with the notch.
- Early leaks suggested a square iPhone 12 design, which only partially materialized.
When Will We Know for Sure?
Apple is expected to officially unveil the iPhone 17 series in September 2025, with prototypes and renders likely surfacing by early 2025. Until then, all information should be taken with caution, as Apple has a history of last-minute design changes.
Is Apple Taking Inspiration from Google?
While the rumors surrounding the iPhone 17’s new camera island are intriguing, it remains uncertain whether Apple will adopt this design or stick with its traditional aesthetic. If the leaks hold, the iPhone 17 series could introduce a major visual refresh, blending Apple’s sleek industrial design with a Pixel-inspired camera layout. However, if Apple sticks to its roots, we might see only subtle refinements rather than an overhaul.
Also read: India vs Australia Champions Trophy Semi-Final: Pitch Report, Toss Prediction, and Key Insights