iPhone 17 Leaked Images Suggest Radical New Design
Leaked images and supply chain reports reveal a potential major design shift for the upcoming iPhone 17, including a horizontal camera bar similar to Google Pixel.
Recent leaks indicate that the iPhone 17 series, expected to launch in 2025, could feature a significantly different design compared to current iPhone models. A recent post on Weibo by trusted tipster Digital Chat Station revealed that at least one version of the iPhone 17 might adopt a new horizontal camera bar. This design, which places the camera lenses in a pill-shaped bump running across the rear, is notably similar to the layout used by Google’s Pixel 9 series.
According to the tipster, the design is based on supply chain materials, though specifics on the lens arrangement remain unclear. A leaked image from the same source showed a row of three camera lenses, which contradicts earlier rumors suggesting that a simpler, single-lens rear camera setup might be featured on the iPhone 17 Air (or iPhone 17 Slim).
In addition, another image surfaced on Weibo, showing the internal aluminum frame of what is believed to be an iPhone 17 model. This frame also appears to support a horizontal camera bar, extending almost to the edges of the case and slightly protruding from the rear. One notable detail from the image is the central placement of the ultra-wide camera, with space allocated for the front-facing structured light system, potentially offering new opportunities for facial recognition and 3D scanning.
If these leaks are accurate, the iPhone 17 will feature a design departure from the current vertical camera bars found on the iPhone 16 series, including the triangular arrangement on the Pro models. A horizontal camera bump could reduce issues like fingerprint smudges on the lenses and might even offer improved stability when the phone is placed on a flat surface.
While a change in camera design could help the iPhone stand out in a crowded smartphone market, the similarity to Google’s Pixel lineup might lead to some confusion. Despite this, Apple is unlikely to choose a design too similar to its competitors, especially with a brand as distinctive as Google’s.
Although Digital Chat Station has a strong track record for accurate leaks, the iPhone 17 is still a year away from release, and any details regarding its design remain unconfirmed.