Leaked Images Reveal iPhone 17's Radical New Design with Horizontal Camera Bar

Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 series may look very different from the current iPhone 16 models, according to leaked images and reports. The most notable change could be the introduction of a radically redesigned rear camera module. Leaked images shared by the well-known tipster Digital Chat Station on Weibo show that at least one iPhone 17 model may feature a horizontal, pill-shaped camera bar. This design is strikingly similar to the layout seen on Google’s Pixel 9 series, albeit positioned higher on the iPhone, almost flush with the top of the phone.

The new camera island layout, according to the leaked reports, suggests a shift in both form and function. The horizontal bar extends nearly to the edges of the phone’s case and slightly protrudes from the back, which would reduce the likelihood of lens smudging while providing a more stable surface when the phone is placed on flat surfaces. The design is also expected to accommodate a row of three camera lenses, though the exact configuration of the lenses remains unclear.

This marks a significant departure from the current iPhone design language, which traditionally uses a vertical camera bar (on standard iPhone models) and a triangular arrangement on the Pro versions. If the design is true, the new iPhone 17 could resemble Google’s Pixel 9 more closely than any previous iPhone model, raising the question of whether Apple might want to distance itself from such a similar design.

In addition to the camera redesign, a separate report has confirmed the development of the iPhone 17 Air, a slimmed-down version of the iPhone 17. The model is reportedly in the early stages of production, entering the New Product Introduction (NPI) process at Foxconn. However, this doesn’t guarantee its release, as the NPI process can cover a range of stages from initial development to final production.

Although no official details about the iPhone 17 series are available yet, these leaks give an intriguing look at what may come. If the horizontal camera bar design makes it to production, it could signal a major shift in Apple’s approach to smartphone design and functionality. However, with the official launch expected in September 2025, it’s still a long way off before any of these changes are confirmed.