The rumour mill for the iPhone 17 series is in full swing, with the latest leaks suggesting Apple might adopt a design approach reminiscent of Google’s Pixel line-up.
A recently surfaced photo, allegedly showing the frame of the iPhone 17 Pro, reveals a horizontal camera array that resembles the Pixel 9 Pro rather than Apple’s typical design.
The potential shift from Apple’s signature rounded square camera bump to a larger rectangular design is certainly unexpected.
According to The Information’s Wayne Ma, the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max may feature a "rectangular camera bump made of aluminium instead of the usual 3D glass," while the bottom half of the device will still use glass to support wireless charging. Adding to the speculation, a leaker on Weibo shared an image of what appears to be the metal frame for the iPhone 17 Pro, as reported by Android Authority.
The motivation behind this rumoured change remains unclear. Earlier reports suggested a side-by-side camera arrangement might better accommodate spatial video capabilities across all three lenses. However, the iPhone 16 Pro models already deliver spatial video functionality without requiring a redesign.
If true, this would mark a significant departure from the triangular camera array that Apple has used for its Pro models since the iPhone 11 Pro debuted in 2019. Renowned leaker Majin Bu even shared renderings of the iPhone 17 Pro based on the leaked frame, highlighting how the design resembles Google’s Pixel devices.
If the design of iPhone 17 Pro were this, would you like it? pic.twitter.com/0SUHLff0VG
— Majin Bu (@MajinBuOfficial) December 12, 2024
Apple’s plans for such a bold redesign are still a mystery, and it’s uncertain why the company would adopt a look so similar to a key competitor. For now, these rumours should be taken with caution, but the prospect of a major design overhaul is already sparking plenty of discussion. To stay updated on the latest leaks and rumours, check out our iPhone 17 hub.
