Apple's upcoming iPhone 17 lineup may be getting a significant camera redesign, according to leaked CAD renders shared by established leaker Majin Bu. The renders suggest that the iPhone 17 Pro, Pro Max, and the rumored iPhone 17 Air models will feature a wider, pill-shaped rear camera module, reminiscent of Google's Pixel 9 design.
The leaked designs show the rear camera bars on the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models stretched to extend across the entire upper body, retaining the rounder edges seen on the current models. The iPhone 17 "Air" features a similar design, albeit with only a single rear camera lens. In contrast, the camera module on the standard iPhone 17 model is expected to remain largely unchanged, differentiating it from the premium models.
Majin Bu's leaks have been inconsistent in the past, but these renders are supported by similar leaks from other sources, including Front Page Tech host Jon Prosser and leakers Ice Universe, Fixed Focus Digital, and Digital Chat Station. This suggests that the rectangular camera bar design may be a legitimate feature of the iPhone 17 lineup.
The rumors about the iPhone 17 Air have been circulating for months, describing a new, slimmer model that's expected to join the upcoming iPhone lineup, similar to Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S25 Edge. If true, this would mark a significant departure from Apple's traditional iPhone design.
It's worth noting that these leaks should be taken with a grain of salt, and we won't know the official iPhone 17 design until Apple reveals it later this year, likely in September. However, if the rumors prove true, it could signal a significant shift in Apple's approach to camera design, potentially influenced by the success of Google's Pixel series.
The implications of such a design change could be far-reaching, potentially impacting the entire smartphone industry. As camera capabilities continue to be a major differentiator for high-end smartphones, Apple's adoption of a Pixel-inspired design could spark a new wave of innovation in camera technology.
Stay tuned for further updates on the iPhone 17 lineup as more information becomes available.