Dynamic Island on the front, Camera Island on the back.
Apple’s iPhone lineup has maintained a consistent design language over the years, but recent leaks suggest that the upcoming iPhone 17 series may introduce a notable shift. A leaked image of the purported iPhone 17 frame reveals a horizontal camera island reminiscent of Google’s Pixel series, indicating a potential departure from Apple’s traditional camera layout.
The leaked image, shared by a Weibo user ‘Digital Chat Station’, showcases a metal frame with a horizontal cutout at the top, suggesting a camera module that spans the device’s width. It’s not even 2025 yet, so with a good 10 months to go before the iPhone 17 even launches, this particular scoop could just as well be a nothing-burger. However, it’s the first of many rumors to come, so we might as well begin our iPhone 17 news cycle!
Image generated via AI
Traditionally, iPhones have featured a square or rectangular camera module positioned in the top-left corner. Adopting a horizontal island would mark a significant design evolution, potentially offering benefits such as improved internal component arrangement and enhanced camera capabilities with the ultrawide camera rumored to be placed at the center. Spacing cameras horizontally would also allow the iPhone 17 to record better Spatial content by mimicking the pupillary distance between human eyes.
In addition to the camera redesign, reports suggest that Apple may revert to using aluminum frames for the iPhone 17 Pro models, moving away from the titanium frames introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro series. This change could result in a lighter device and may involve a back panel combining aluminum and glass, with the upper part made of aluminum to house the new camera module.
Practically, a horizontal camera island could provide a more balanced aesthetic and potentially reduce the wobble experienced when the phone is placed on a flat surface – something tech reviewers have ranted about for years. However, it remains to be seen how this design will impact the device’s ergonomics and whether it will resonate with long-time iPhone users.
While these leaks offer an intriguing glimpse into the possible design direction of the iPhone 17 series, it’s important to approach them with caution. Apple’s final design decisions often remain under wraps until official announcements. If these changes come to fruition, the iPhone 17 could represent a significant shift in Apple’s design philosophy, blending familiar elements with new innovations. As always, until Apple provides official details, these reports should be taken with a grain of salt. After all, in the world of tech leaks, today’s rumor is just tomorrow’s meme.
The post Leaked iPhone 17 Frame Hints At Radical Redesign With A Pixel-inspired Camera Island first appeared on Yanko Design.