A recent report about the design of the iPhone 17 series claimed that the cameras would be seen in an all-new arrangement.
The previous suggestion was for an iPhone with a horizontal row of cameras instead of, for instance, the triangular placing on the iPhone 16 Pro.
It meant an iPhone that looked strikingly similar to the Google Pixel 9 Pro.
ForbesApple iPhone 17: All-New Design Coming, Leak Claims Now, there’s a new post on Weibo from regular leaker Instant Digital, who has had a strong, though not perfect track record.
Where the report is less clear is exactly what’s meant by the appearance of the back being different this year.
According to a recent report regarding the design of the iPhone 17 series, the cameras will be arranged in a completely different way in the upcoming iPhone models. It was blatantly contradicted, but it came from a leaker with a respectable record.
An iPhone with a horizontal row of cameras—as opposed to, say, the triangular arrangement on the iPhone 16 Pro—was the previous recommendation. It meant an iPhone that bore a striking resemblance to the Google Pixel 9 Pro. A few people were doubtful that this might be true, but more reports were required to be certain.
Forbes: Rumors of an Upcoming New Design for the Apple iPhone 17.
A recent post on Weibo was made by frequent leaker Instant Digital, who has a solid, if not flawless, reputation. Observed by MacRumors, it presents an alternative perspective, stating (in machine translation), “My source informed me that while the back’s appearance has changed, the arrangement of the three cameras remains triangular rather than the horizontal bar that is currently popular on the Internet. “.”.
I think this makes a lot more sense, but let’s take a closer look. Not only does the triangular placement seem familiar, but it also indicates that the iPhone’s current ability to record spatial video while in landscape mode is still in place.
If Apple didn’t keep this feature for the upcoming generations at the very least, I would be shocked.
What exactly is meant by the back’s different appearance this year is where the report is less clear. The changes will occur elsewhere because, in my opinion, the display will remain the same in 2025 despite the current Pro models’ larger screens compared to 2023.
Although the majority of the iPhone’s back is believed to still be made of glass, one rumor concerns a camera area that is covered in aluminum rather than glass. Wireless charging is another important feature that is unlikely to disappear without it.
Confusion can arise when multiple reports from well-known leakers conflict. Although there are still many unanswered questions, the possibility of a camera design akin to the Pixel appears to have faded.
