Latest iPhone 17 Series CAD Images in Line With Redesign Rumors

[zarmanto]

... So the crowd that would need to adjust would be those "in the know"... which is probably the crowd more likely to adjust. ...

Maybe. Or maybe not. Time will tell, I suppose.

Personally, I think the ultimate solution to this is quite simple: square source videos. Than you can crop to whatever you prefer -- and re-crop later, as desired. Seems to me the only technological hurdles to this are device capacity and bus speed; there's no reason at all that the cameras couldn't just capture a square instead of a rectangle.

why cant the 3 lenses be in a row? why's it have to be so ungodly ugly with a ton of wasted space in the middle?

Because the space isn't all wasted. My belief is that even if Apple puts all three rear facing cameras in a single row, there will still be a gap between them, roughly in the middle of the camera bar. That gap will be there to accommodate their future plans for an under-screen FaceID sensor and front facing camera.

 

[antonrg]

The design language of 12 series continues, which I love, but come on! Goodness, Apple, have some tiny amount of imagination. By this point, we might as well go back to the form factor of X and Xs models, which I personally did not like so much.

 

[Marty80]

I have been crying for a design change, and here it is. If it turns out ugly do i have a choice to hang on to my 12 pro max for another 5 years! Hell no!

 

[SDJim]

I just need a reason for this. It is absolutely hideous, shockingly so, really, but if there is a specific need for it in order to facilitate a valuable feature, then fine, bring on the new features. Otherwise.... Goodness what a horrific design.

 

[dampfnudel]

Im still on 14 pro since 15 nor 16 have anything worthwhile. 17 air will be it for me i think. Will get second gen foldable in 2027.

I also have a 14 Pro (purple) and I’m leaning towards the 17 Pro. I’m also waiting until the 2nd or 3rd gen folding iPhone.

 

[Marty80]

Why not make the entire phone as thick as the camera bump and use that extra internal space to pack in more battery?

Because my pants will fall down!

 

[dampfnudel]

I have been crying for a design change, and here it is. If it turns out ugly do i have a choice to hang on to my 12 pro max for another 5 years! Hell no!

Yeah, some people will have to buy whatever Apple is offering this year based on the age/condition of their phones.

 

[mitchferrino]

Because of weight, size, thermal considerations? If building physical products was so easy everyone and their uncle would do it, things don’t exist on a vacuum, you don’t just “add more battery”. And you don’t do things just because a tiny subset of people have all these problems for a purely cosmetic reason that’s also a non issue for the 9l% of users that just use a case (the phone doesn’t wobble, you don’t notice the camera bump). Most people use their phones don’t contemplate them.

LOLLL what is the source of these stats? The iPhone is BEAUTIFULLY designed, that's why so many people chose it over the many many other phone options that exist in 2025. Which is all the more reason that a lot of people HATE that this otherwise beautifully designed phone has this really awkward and annoying inability to lie flat, and bounces and bumps when you use it on a flat surface. Its NOT aesthetic, and apple is KNOWN for aesthetic.

 

[Abobrek]

The thing is though... that we've all NOT been trained to rotate the iDevice. Many, MANY shoot everything in portrait... likely griping later about the huge black boxes left & right when watched on a wider screen like TV or monitor. You can explain to them that in the future, they need to rotate the device to landscape to capture TV screen-filling landscape video but next time that shoot something, they are right back to portrait.

I would suggest that the bulk of the world shoots in portrait because that is the habit that has taken hold. Next time you watch some sporting event and they pan the crowd, see for yourself. Or turn on the evening news and see video shot by citizens on the scene in portrait, or turn on "funniest videos" shows and look how many shoot the funny moments in portrait, etc.

So the crowd that would need to adjust would be those "in the know"... which is probably the crowd more likely to adjust. Landscape capture could then be default capture. I'd suggest Apple add a record splash screen in which user can choose the orientation they want to capture and then it could either just capture it as wanted or advise them to rotate the camera. Yes, Apple could do this with the "as is" setup now and perhaps adopt the Pixel concept VERTICALLY on the back but I was also thinking about finally resolving the wobble complaint too, which spreading them across the top would certainly do that.

This is simply not true. MANY people? Your examples of “turn on the evening news”, those videos are a result of capturing a moment instantaneous due to the fact it is immediately happening and should be captured without the thought of proper form, i.e. something newsworthy such as a crime that is over within minutes. When it comes to someone properly taking a photograph or video there is time in which one could properly think of how to frame the moment they are capturing. HUGE difference.

Also, Apple is rumored to position these devices for video capturing, seeking the streamer and videographers to use them instead of a full frame camera.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

I write from lots of experience... including having many people bringing me their captured video and much of it being in portrait. I'm usually the guy who has to give them the bad news about how portrait doesn't easily scale to landscape. Again, watch the news and see it... watch sporting events when they pan the crowd and see it... watch parents at kid events and see it... etc. Concerts? Theme parks? Vacations? Cruises? Just out and about? Not all of that is urgent news moment where camera person has no time to think about what they are doing... and much news is not urgent either, so much of those shooting could have had the time to think about how they want to capture video.

I've even trained people- frustrated with portrait video they've shot on their own TVs or monitors- to rotate their phones to capture video as they want it to be displayed only to be with them soon thereafter and see them right back to portrait again. It seems to be a very "sticky" habit that has locked in.

Now, whether that is "many" or just seems to be is open for scientific evaluation. So perhaps it's NOT many. It just seems to be through my lens... and experience. When you are out and about, take a good look around and you may see it too... or perhaps it's just a thing where I happen to be... and what I watch on television.

If I was betting, I would bet that "many" have the habit... picked up by others who shoot that way and just assuming it is the right way to shoot with a phone. If true, I don't think that gets resolved without some new approach such as maybe a splash screen intended to make people think about the ultimate destination for viewing what they want to shoot and encouraging them to adjust accordingly. Else, as is, I suspect "many" personal libraries of "home movies" continue to fill with portrait captures... and portrait photos too. Here's a chance to just bend to the apparent established habit vs. leaving things "as is" and just piling up even more portrait video that maybe those shooting it don't actually want (ultimately). In other words, those in the know (like presumably you and me) are the ones to adjust instead of hoping many others can change the habit.

 

[jamezcua]

This lineup makes no sense. So we'll have iPhone 17e, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Plus, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max????

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

Yes, collect them all!!!

 

[scrapesleon]

a redesign and this was the best apple could come with

 

[Sami13496]

Why not make the entire phone as thick as the camera bump and use that extra internal space to pack in more battery?

The massive camera bump is part of the marketing strategy. It makes the camera feel like it’s worth the money, as if it’s packed with amazing camera technology. It reassures buyers that they are paying a huge amount for the phone because of the camera—even though, in everyday use, it performs similarly to a regular iPhone camera. Sure, photography enthusiasts might notice the difference, but how many iPhone users actually fall into that category…

…It’s like how some people buy bigger and shinier cars (SUVs) just to flex their status or whatever.

“Look at my huge… bump”

 

[Juicy Box]

do you want to hold a 1990’s cell phone in your hand? Nope, you don’t.

Have you held a cell phone from the 90's in your hand? They are so much easier to hold than any modern iPhone.

Maybe you meant a 1980's cell phone.

 

[velemar1]

Never upgrading my 13 mini

 

[Cloudyskies22]

The phone looks great other than those ugly and uncomfortable flat sides. Uggggggh

Well you sure are right about the flat sides being hideous and uncomfortable. The rounded design is and always will be the best

 

[RealE]

Why do you not think about what a 2-3mm thicker phone would feel like in your hand? do you want to hold a 1990’s cell phone in your hand? Nope, you don’t.

It’s very very very easy for you to think that, but you simply don’t realize how absolutely AWFUL a phone is if it is literally 3mm thicker. It doesn’t sound like a lot but it is. It’s a massive amount, especially when you’re trying to use it with 1 hand. Remember….if using with 1 hand, the thicker the phone, the less distance your thumb can reach across its face.

Moreover, if you were to have a 3mm thicker phone and fill all that volume with a bigger battery and more components, it will be far far far heavier and you’ll want to immediately throw it as hard as you can at the nearest brick wall, and with good reason.

Good day to you.

First and foremost, thank you for your reply. I sincerely appreciate the thoughtful discussions on this forum.

I absolutely agree you can feel a 3mm difference and the added weight a larger battery would bring.

However, I—and I suspect most people based on my casual observations of iPhone users over the past decade or more—tend to cover my slim and light iPhone with a protective case which immediately adds bulk and weight. Looking at my current rather slim and light case it appears to add about 2mm of thickness to my phone and 32g of weight according to my kitchen scale (this is no Otterbox).

So my everyday experience with my iPhone is already a thicker and heavier one.

It's always a delicate balance weighing the capabilities we want vs their costs or drawbacks. Apple made the iPhone much thinner (under 8mm) than it was in the 3G/3GS era (12.3mm) but they also made it much heavier (~200g vs 135g). On the other hand they also made it much more capable with more cameras, much larger screens, bigger batteries, and a lot more power.

I would love for Apple to make an iPhone with a good camera that doesn't protrude (like the iPhone 5) or barely protrudes (like the iPhone 8) and a larger battery. Such as a 5000 mAh battery (a little more capacity than in the 16 Pro Max) but in the regular-sized lineup. And to balance the added weight replace the back glass panel with carbon fiber. Hell, maybe then I could ditch my case too!

 

[Cloudyskies22]

First and foremost, thank you for your reply. I sincerely appreciate the thoughtful discussions on this forum.

I absolutely agree you can feel a 3mm difference and the added weight a larger battery would bring.

However, I—and I suspect most people based on my casual observations of iPhone users over the past decade or more—tend to cover my slim and light iPhone with a protective case which immediately adds bulk and weight. Looking at my current rather slim and light case it appears to add about 2mm of thickness to my phone and 32g of weight according to my kitchen scale (this is no Otterbox).

So my everyday experience with my iPhone is already a thicker and heavier one.

It's always a delicate balance weighing the capabilities we want vs their costs or drawbacks. Apple made the iPhone much thinner (under 8mm) than it was in the 3G/3GS era (12.3mm) but they also made it much heavier (~200g vs 135g). On the other hand they also made it much more capable with more cameras, much larger screens, bigger batteries, and a lot more power.

I would love for Apple to make an iPhone with a good camera that doesn't protrude (like the iPhone 5) or barely protrudes (like the iPhone 8) and a larger battery. Such as a 5000 mAh battery (a little more capacity than in the 16 Pro Max) but in the regular-sized lineup. And to balance the added weight replace the back glass panel with carbon fiber. Hell, maybe then I could ditch my case too!

I do not use a case on my iPhone and I haven’t since the iPhone X when they finally made them far less slippery with stainless steel and glass (until now with matte glass and more slippery titanium albeit still more grip than aluminum).

My iPhone experience is amazing, but risky, but I haven’t broken one yet (it’s coming I know). Your point about you and others putting them into cases makes no sense though. The iPhone has a set weight and thickness. If you reduce the iPhones weight and thickness then it doesn’t matter what case you put it into you still get the weight and thickness improvements. It doesn’t matter that you use a huge otter box case, you now have a device in your hand (phone + case), that is thinner and lighter than it otherwise would be.

Moreover, you are here complaining about the camera bulb yet you place your phone in a case that is DEEPER THAN THE CAMERA PROTRUSION. It literally works out perfectly for you…why in the hell would you ever complain about a camera protrusion if you use a case that is the depth of it? Makes absolutely no sense. I could complain about the camera protrusion be it that I do not use a case but I don’t dare complain about it because I understand it and I’m very happy Apple did it. I much prefer a small section of the phone being thicker so that the rest of it can be much thinner and overall the device be much lighter.

The other thing I always find pretty odd about people who want more battery is that now there are actually very very convent ways to increase your battery life by making your device thicker…there are numerous MagSafe battery cases and now MagSafe external batteries you can just always have snapped on the back of the phone.

 

[svish]

Looks like this is indeed the final design. Waiting to hear more about the colours this year. Don't mind the design of the upcoming iPhones.

 

[macjaffa]

First and foremost, thank you for your reply. I sincerely appreciate the thoughtful discussions on this forum.

I absolutely agree you can feel a 3mm difference and the added weight a larger battery would bring.

However, I—and I suspect most people based on my casual observations of iPhone users over the past decade or more—tend to cover my slim and light iPhone with a protective case which immediately adds bulk and weight. Looking at my current rather slim and light case it appears to add about 2mm of thickness to my phone and 32g of weight according to my kitchen scale (this is no Otterbox).

So my everyday experience with my iPhone is already a thicker and heavier one.

It's always a delicate balance weighing the capabilities we want vs their costs or drawbacks. Apple made the iPhone much thinner (under 8mm) than it was in the 3G/3GS era (12.3mm) but they also made it much heavier (~200g vs 135g). On the other hand they also made it much more capable with more cameras, much larger screens, bigger batteries, and a lot more power.

I would love for Apple to make an iPhone with a good camera that doesn't protrude (like the iPhone 5) or barely protrudes (like the iPhone 8) and a larger battery. Such as a 5000 mAh battery (a little more capacity than in the 16 Pro Max) but in the regular-sized lineup. And to balance the added weight replace the back glass panel with carbon fiber. Hell, maybe then I could ditch my case too!

a carbon fibre iphone would be neat. rounded edges and carbon fibre would kick so much arse. I would love to forgo a case if we had carbon fibre. I'd pay more for a carbon fibre cased iphone. Wait a minute doesn't carbon fibre shatter when impacted like a drop or something

 

[ekucukoglu]

I hated the design when I saw the Pros first. But I start to get used to the camera island. I think we’ll all love the final design when we see the actual phones.

The problem is, Apple is giving the same phones as “new” for years. Let’s see what these models will bring.

And I just like SS and/or titanium for the Pro models (my last two iPhones were 13 Pro and 15 Pro). Going back to aluminum is a step back, in my opinion.

 

[dampfnudel]

This lineup makes no sense. So we'll have iPhone 17e, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Plus, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max????

According to the rumors there won’t be a 17 Plus. The 17 “Air” will be somewhat of a replacement. The 17e won’t appear until Feb/Mar 2026. The only outlier here is the 17 “Air” and that perspective may change once Apple releases the details on it. It’s possible the single lens camera is more capable than we think making the phone more attractive to potential customers in addition to the thinner body. A nice selection of vibrant color options will help as well. I hope the 17 Pro gets one vibrant color as well, maybe a teal or burnt orange option.

 

[dampfnudel]

I hate it when I see the Pros first. But I start to get used to the camera island. I think we’ll all love the final design when we see the actual phones.

The problem is, Apple is giving the same phones as “new” for years. Let’s see what these models will bring.

And I just like SS and/or titanium for the Pro models (my last two iPhones were 13 Pro and 15 Pro). Going back to aluminum is a step back, in my opinion.

I think most people will get over the “loss” of titanium on the iPhone 17 Pro. Personally, I’m okay with Apple going to aluminum because that means the 17 Pro is no longer in danger of reaching the 206g weight of my current phone, the 14 Pro. The 16 Pro is almost 200g, a significant increase from your 15 Pro.

 

[Kashifnawaz85]

Design inspired from Google Pixel but iSheep will say wow what a design.😂