iPhone 17 Leaks: Major Design Overhaul with Pixel-Inspired Camera

Leaked CAD renders of Apple's 2025 iPhone 17 series reveal a radical departure from current designs, featuring a horizontal pill-shaped camera array reminiscent of Google's Pixel smartphones.

The renders, shared by leaker Majin Bu, showcase four models: iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, and the rumored 17 Air – the latter potentially replacing the Plus variant with a slimmer titanium-frame design.

Key Design Changes Across Models

Pro/Air Models Adopt Pixel-Style Camera Bar

High-end Pro models and the mid-tier Air variant will sport a continuous horizontal camera bar spanning the device's upper third, abandoning Apple's signature square camera island. The iPhone 17 Air reportedly retains this design language but downgrades to a single rear lens.

Material Shifts Signal Eco-Conscious Pivot

While the Air model may debut with titanium framing (previously exclusive to Pro devices), supply chain analyst Jeff Pu suggests Apple might revert Pro models to aluminum to address environmental concerns.

This follows titanium's controversial debut in iPhone 15 Pro models due to mining sustainability issues.

Strategic Implications of the "Air" Line

Positioned as a Plus replacement, the Air model appears designed to:

• Compete with mid-range Android flagships
• Test market appetite for premium materials in non-Pro devices
• Simplify Apple's product matrix through design unification

Editor’s Comments

The renders align with Apple's historical pattern of borrowing successful design elements (e.g., Dynamic Island adoption from Android). However, the simultaneous material swaps between Pro and Air models suggest a calculated risk: differentiating through accessibility rather than exclusivity.

If confirmed, this could mark Apple's first major concession to sustainability pressures since removing chargers from boxes. Industry analysts should monitor whether this design language previews cross-device standardization, potentially unifying iPad and iPhone aesthetics.