.png){kind=logo}
Apple's upcoming iPhone 17 series has been creating significant buzz for quite some time now, with leaked dummy models revealing a radical design shift, particularly for the Pro models. Beyond the already mentioned elongated camera bar, a new detail has emerged: a completely unique half-glass, half-aluminum build. This potential change indicates Apple is aiming for a mix of durability and wireless charging compatibility, even stepping back from the titanium frames just introduced in the iPhone 15 Pro.
According to well-known tech industry insider, Sonny Dickson, the iPhone 17 Pro dummy model showcases an outlined area on the back, extending from just below the camera module to the bottom of the chassis. This outlined area, as Dickson notes, is "where the glass will change." Further confirmation comes from Chinese leaker Fixed Focus Digital, a combination of materials – a glass section for the logo area integrated into an overall metal chassis. This twin-material approach is allegedly aimed at improving durability. While the glass section ensures wireless charging functionality, the partial aluminum body is anticipated to be less prone to breakage. This decision marks a considerable departure from the titanium chassis Apple touted as a key upgrade inside the iPhone 15 Pro, with reports indicating a go back to aluminum across the whole iPhone 17 lineup.
The dummy models additionally corroborate earlier CAD snapshots, depicting an elongated horizontal camera module on the iPhone 17 Pro models and the brand-new iPhone 17 Air, which is expected to replace the Plus version. This design alternate, a departure from the traditional iPhone layout for iPhone 11, signals a significant visual overhaul. Furthermore, the dummies suggest a smoother transition between the camera bump edges and the back cover, attributed to Apple's rumored use of a new glass-and-metal splicing material process. Notably, all iPhone 17 models, which include the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air, appear to feature MagSafe, despite the fact that the Air is meant to be super thin.
Apple's choice to redesign the iPhone 17 Pro layout can be driven through a choice to reignite sales, particularly in regions like China, where it has faced challenges. The new layout may function as a distraction from potential delays in the rollout of Apple Intelligence features. While the leaked dummy models provide a glimpse into the potential design changes, it is important to remember that these are not final products. Apple could still make alterations before the official launch, expected in September. However, the consistent leaks and reports suggest that a significant design shift is indeed on the horizon, potentially reshaping the future of iPhone in an increasingly competitive smartphone market
