'iPhone 17 Slim' Could Move Rear Cameras to Top Center in Biggest Redesign Since iPhone X

[MacRumors]

The Information today reported that Apple plans to release an all-new, high-end iPhone 17 model next year, and there was one detail that is worth singling out: the rear cameras could be relocated to the "top center" of the device.

Google's Pixel 8 Pro​

The rear camera system on the iPhone has been positioned in the top-left corner of the device since the original 2007 model, so the cameras being moved to the top center of the device would be a notable change. Some popular Android smartphones have rear cameras positioned towards the top center, such as Google's Pixel 8 Pro.

The report said the new iPhone 17 model will feature a "major redesign" akin to the iPhone X, so it sounds like Apple has big plans for this device. With the report claiming the device could have a higher price tag than the Pro Max model, which starts at $1,199, perhaps it will end up being the "iPhone Ultra" that has been rumored for a few years.

Here is everything that the report mentioned about the slimmer iPhone 17:

• Between a 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch display (likely 6.5-inch)
• A "significantly thinner" design with an aluminum frame
• Rear cameras moved to "top center" of device
• A higher price tag than the Pro Max model in the iPhone lineup
• Improved front camera
• A narrower Dynamic Island
• A19 chip

Read our initial coverage of the report for more details about the device.

Article Link: 'iPhone 17 Slim' Could Move Rear Cameras to Top Center in Biggest Redesign Since iPhone X

 

[DigitalAR]

iPhone Slim is going to be this dacade's iPhone 5C

 

[fockx]

A thinner design? Did they hire Jony Ive's consultant agency again or something?

 

[MrGimper]

Oh you want the "Pro" Pro .....

 

[LogicalApex]

I can't imagine there is room in the market for Apple to have an iPhone above the Pro Max. The sheer number of SKUs would be a bit heavy to swallow.

iPhone SE
iPhone 13
iPhone 14
iPhone 15
iPhone 15 Pro

are the lines today with various sized thrown in as well.

This would make it 6 levels and I'm not sure where the Pro would sit in it at all. Since they are supposed to represent the top end of the iPhone lineup (with the Pro Max pushing it to the "max").

🤷🏾‍♂️

 

[tgwaste]

More money for aluminum?

 

[MaximizedAction]

Well iPhone 17 is the earliest one I’d be willing to replace my 14 Pro with. So an interesting new, possibly even more high end model would be welcome.
Though I’d have expected a new iPhone X at around iPhone 19/20.

 

[coffeemilktea]

Now that a lot of Android phones are putting their cameras in the same place the iPhone does, the iPhone will have cameras in the middle? This is the ultimate bamboozle!

 

[JPack]

This would probably be one of the few times Apple goes for aesthetics rather than engineering reasons. Right now, the rear camera on iPhone is on the side to avoid the Face ID module in the center.

 

[satpalram]

Port- & button-less?

 

[daneoni]

Yay…even more obsession with thinness.

Will be interesting to see how battery life hold up.

 

[Unity451]

A "significantly thinner" design with an aluminum frame

Can't wait to see the ad they come up to illustrate how much functionality they pack into such a thin design.

2nd time's the charm...?

 

[v0lume4]

I’ve long thought the Pixel line (Pixel 6 and later) is one of the best designed phones around. The camera setup looks like it was given consideration from the beginning of the design process, unlike the iPhone where the cameras appear to be slapped on as an afterthought. I think this would be a welcome design change.

 

[rp2011]

I always wondered why it wasn't centered. Aiming at close-ups of items has always been a little weird.

 

[The Apple Bitch]

Port- & button-less?

Would be really interesting, I don't think that the market or technology is ready but I believe iPhone 20 could be just that.

 

[Reason077]

A thinner design? Did they hire Jony Ive's consultant agency again or something?

Guess so, witness the recent “thinnest ever” iPad Pro!

Personally I’m all for thin devices, but not if it comes at the expense of battery life. Apple must be confident that their new SoCs are so incredibly efficient that big batteries aren’t needed!

 

[rp2011]

I’ve long thought the Pixel line (Pixel 6 and later) is one of the best designed phones around. The camera setup looks like it was given consideration from the beginning of the design process, unlike the iPhone where the cameras appear to be slapped on as an afterthought. I think this would be a welcome design change.

Yep. The placement of the camera has always felt strange to me, I figured it was because of space constraints.

 

[Mahieu]

iPhone Slim is going to be this dacade's iPhone 5C

A 5C priced higher than a pro max 👌👌

 

[Love-hate 🍏 relationship]

Do they not have ergonomics engineers and testers ? How did they let sharp edges and corners pass ? Why do they only work on style and looks?

I mean préhension and wright distribution Matter for a thing you hold all the day

 

[suchnerve]

I just want the camera bump gone. I miss having a phone with a flush back!

 

[Reason077]

I always wondered why it wasn't centered. Aiming at close-ups of items has always been a little weird.

Yep. And I’ve always found it annoying that 1) the phone doesn’t sit flat on a table, it wobbles around because of the corner lenses. Less of an issue with cases but still annoying.

And 2) you can accidentally put your fingers over the lenses when taking pics, especially if holding with left hand.

Both of these issues would be mitigated with centred camera lenses.

 

[Reason077]

I just want the camera bump gone. I miss having a phone with a flush back!

Keep dreaming…

 

[bodhisattva]

Thin iPad I get... not going to be shoving my 13" pad in my pocket. But is it just me or do the words "aluminum" and "thin" strike fear in anyone else? I already feel like my iPhone 15 pro max is thin enough! Really curious on this one as to whether or not they will hook me with this concept.

 

[macvicta]

Finally! A thinner, lighter iPhone! This sounds like the device I’ve been waiting for.

It’s about time Apple got back to designing thin, sexy phones.

 

[rp2011]

The weirdest and stupidest complaints I hate seeing on the comment section are, why so thin? Who asked for that? Why is the chip so powerful? Who needs more power? I mean there are budget phones from other manufacturers or even older iPhones you can buy. If you do not need the state of the art you have tons of options, but don't try to drag the entire iPhone or iPad down to YOUR level.