Buckle up, Apple enthusiasts! The rumor mill is churning at full speed, and this time, it's serving up a visual feast of what the iPhone 17 might just look like. A new video has surfaced, showcasing mockups of Apple's next-generation iPhones, and the designs are... well, let's just say they're unconventional.
The video, posted by YouTuber iDeviceHelp, claims to be based on, "internal documents." Adding fuel to the fire, these mockups were created in collaboration with the reputable leaker Majin Bu, whose previous iPhone 17 renders have been independently corroborated by sources within Apple's Chinese supply chain. > This collaboration lends a significant degree of credibility to these designs, suggesting that they may indeed reflect Apple's current plans.
Forget everything you thought you knew about iPhone camera design. The leaks suggest that Apple is ditching the familiar square camera bump on the iPhone 17 Pro models in favor of a distinctive aluminum camera bar that stretches across the entire width of the device.
This isn't just a minor tweak; it's a complete reimagining of the iPhone's rear aesthetic.
Could this be the design that defines the next era of iPhone photography?
The leaks also introduce a brand new model to the lineup: the iPhone 17 "Air," [presumably] replacing the "Plus" variant. According to the mockups, the buttons remain in the same positions as the iPhone 16 models. However, the most striking feature of the "Air" is its svelte profile.
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes the iPhone 17 Air will be 5.5mm thick at its thinnest point, which likely means it will have a 5.5mm chassis with a thicker rear camera bump area. > This razor-thin design raises questions about battery life and the inclusion of features like MagSafe.
Interestingly, the base iPhone 17 is expected to retain the current camera design language seen in the iPhone 16 series. This move would further differentiate Apple's premium and standard offerings, potentially making the "Pro" models even more desirable.
Apple supply chain analyst Jeff Pu predicts that the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max will all feature aluminum frames. This is a notable departure from the titanium frames introduced in the iPhone 15 Pro models. Pu suggests that this shift is driven by environmental considerations, with Apple potentially prioritizing sustainability over the premium feel of titanium. [This decision may reflect a broader industry trend towards eco-friendly materials.]
Apple is reportedly testing a wireless reverse charging feature for the iPhone 17 Pro models. This would allow the iPhone to wirelessly charge other Apple devices, such as AirPods or an Apple Watch. > This feature would position the iPhone as a central hub for Apple's ecosystem, further enhancing its value proposition.
The extreme thinness of the iPhone 17 "Air" raises concerns about the inclusion of MagSafe magnets. iDeviceHelp even questions whether Apple will be able to fit the magnets into the device. [If MagSafe is indeed absent, it could be a significant drawback for users who rely on MagSafe accessories.]
Of course, these are just mockups based on leaks. The true design of the iPhone 17 series won't be known with 100% certainty until Apple officially unveils it, [likely] sometime this coming September. Until then, the speculation and anticipation will continue to build.
Related Roundups: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro