The anticipation for the iPhone 17 series is growing, particularly with two intriguing variants: the iPhone 17 Air and the iPhone 17 Pro. While there is a standard iPhone 17 planned, it seems that Apple is not taking bold design risks this year.
The discussion surrounding the iPhone 17 Air and iPhone 17 Pro has divided opinions; some believe the rumored designs are authentic, while others doubt Apple would ever release such variations based on the leaks and speculations.
Redesigns Bring their own Excitement
One consensus is that changes to iPhone design are exciting. If the iPhone X hadn’t presented a futuristic look in 2017, the iPhone 8 might have left the internet unimpressed, resembling its predecessors—the iPhone 7, 6S, and 6.
We appear to be reverting to a similar pattern with the iPhone 12 through iPhone 16 models. The various advancements in cameras, new colors, button placements, materials, and alterations to the notch (along with the introduction of Dynamic Island) have made current designs feel rejuvenating. While maintaining the classic candy bar shape, these devices have also become thinner, lighter, and easier to handle without reverting to curved edges.
A prime example of a “new” design revitalizing an otherwise unremarkable product is the fourth-generation iPhone SE (or the potential first-generation iPhone 16E, should Apple choose that name). Reports suggest the iPhone SE 4 will resemble the iPhone 14, which is being regarded as a major redesign compared to its predecessors, the iPhone SE 2 and SE 3, which were essentially iterations of the iPhone 8 with thicker bezels and Touch ID instead of Face ID. The original iPhone SE revived the smaller iPhone 5/5S design when the iPhone 6s felt significantly larger.
The Purpose Behind the iPhone 17 Air
Recent iPhone families have offered five options: iPhone SE, iPhone series (numbered), either iPhone Plus or mini (dependent on the year), iPhone Pro, and iPhone Pro Max.
This year, we anticipate an additional model, the iPhone Air, without removing any existing options.
While the iPhone X paved the way for future models, the iPhone Air presents a different concept.
Some consumers prioritize superior camera performance and battery life over thinner and lighter devices. Conversely, others seek the latest technology at a price point lower than $999.
Current technological capabilities seem unable to enable Apple to produce a noticeably thinner and lighter device without compromising on camera capabilities and battery life. However, advancements do allow for unprecedented thinness and lightness in smartphones. For Samsung, this includes the yet-to-be-released Galaxy S25 Edge, while for Apple, it is likely represented by the iPhone 17 Air.
The appeal of a slimmer iPhone might not be sufficient to draw users away from more affordable or more feature-rich options. Nonetheless, I believe it’s crucial for Apple to maintain competitiveness with Samsung in this niche, even if the customer base is limited.
Are the Leaks Credible?
This leads us to the design leaks surrounding the iPhone 17 Air and iPhone 17 Pro.
Reports indicate that the iPhone 17 Air will incorporate a camera bar feature extending across its back. Previous models had a camera plateau similar in size to the Apple Watch, although the iPhone 16 transitioned to a more compact camera pill design.
This camera bar design is anticipated to appear on both the Air and Pro models. This would represent a significant design shift for the Pro series, as Apple has predominantly featured a three-camera setup mounted on a rounded bump since the iPhone 11 Pro.
The advantage of replacing the traditional camera mount with a design similar to Bender from Futurama is that both the iPhone 17 Air and iPhone 17 Pro would embody a uniform aesthetic that conveys a sense of premium quality. If the rumors hold true, this would facilitate a perception of enhanced value for the iPhone 17 Air, equipped with a single-lens camera, compared to the standard iPhone 17, which is likely to feature an additional rear camera.
Personally, I have a strong belief in the credibility of the iPhone 17 Air design. This isn’t based on insider knowledge, but rather on the consistency of leaks in previous years regarding their volume and timing.
More importantly, previous iPhone design leaks have proven to be reliable, with the only exception being the infamously incorrect “teardrop iPhone 5.”
While some design rumors fail to materialize, such as the concepts surrounding a rear-facing Touch ID sensor or the iPhone “smart connector,” they often remain within the realms of speculation.
Regardless of the source of these leaks, I wouldn’t be shocked if the iPhone 17 Pro retained a visual resemblance to the iPhone 16 Pro. It’s plausible that Apple is considering integrating the camera design of the iPhone Air into the iPhone Pro, leading to leaks before finalizing the decision for the iPhone 17 Air to be the sole model featuring the “camera bar” this year.
I won’t assert that the iPhone 17 Pro will look identical to the iPhone 16 Pro, yet there hasn’t been a strong consensus regarding the Pro model’s design this year. I remain open to new information that could change my perspective.
Ultimately, my approach to assessing iPhone design leaks is straightforward: the more unusual they seem, the more likely they are to be genuine.
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