iPhone 17 Series Set for Major Design Overhaul, Air Model to Be Thinnest Yet

The upcoming iPhone 17 series is generating a lot of buzz, with numerous leaks offering insights into its design and features. It is expected to bring significant software and hardware upgrades, including a 120Hz refresh rate, an A19 chipset, and enhanced camera capabilities. One of the most talked-about models is the iPhone 17 Air, which is expected to be the slimmest iPhone ever, with a thickness of just 6mm—thinner than the iPhone 6’s 6.9mm.

Interestingly, even before the iPhone 16 series launched, rumors about the iPhone 17 Air have already begun circulating, sparking speculation about a new design direction. Reports suggest that Apple is planning to move away from the titanium material used in the iPhone 15 Pro models and return to aluminium for the iPhone 17 series. This change marks a departure from the more premium materials that have been used in the Pro models in recent years.

According to a leak from The Information, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models will undergo a major design overhaul, drawing inspiration from the iPhone 17 Air. These Pro models are expected to feature a dual-material back, with aluminium on the upper section and glass on the lower part. This glass element is crucial for supporting wireless charging, although the exact ratio of aluminium to glass is yet to be confirmed.

The camera design is another area set for change. Leaks indicate that the camera bump will be larger and made from aluminium, a contrast to the glass design seen on current Pro models. This marks a return to the aluminium finish Apple used for premium devices before the iPhone X, which many see as a bold shift in design. Interestingly, some users have noted a resemblance to the camera bump on the Google Pixel 9 series, which has fueled further comparisons.

As for the iPhone 17 Pro models, there is also speculation that they might adopt the slim profile seen in the iPhone 17 Air. However, further details on the thickness of the Pro variants remain unclear. One of the more practical design updates involves combining the functions of the Action Button and Volume Button, particularly if Apple rolls out the Action Button across all models. This design decision could help maintain durability while still allowing for a thinner overall profile.

As the iPhone 17 series continues to be the subject of leaks and rumors, it’s clear that Apple is preparing for a significant shift in both aesthetics and functionality for its next flagship lineup. The move to aluminium, combined with a slimmer design and updated camera features, suggests that Apple is prioritizing both form and function in its next iteration of iPhones.