It looks like Apple is shaking things up with the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro models. The latest leaks, including images of clear cases, point to a major redesign of the rear camera system. The most noticeable change? A horizontal camera bar that spans the entire width of the phone similar to what we’ve seen on Google’s Pixel lineup.
Reliable tipster Sonny Dickson shared the images, and they reveal that the iPhone 17 Pro’s camera cutout is significantly wider than what we’re used to, especially when compared to the iPhone 16 Pro. Interestingly though, the internal layout of the lenses will stay familiar. The triple-camera system will still use the triangular arrangement we’ve seen in recent models.
So, why the dramatic new look?
A user on X may have the answer. According to them and as spotted by 9to5Mac Apple is making room for a beefier telephoto lens. The current 12MP telephoto sensor is reportedly being replaced with a new 48MP version that retains the 10x optical zoom capability. This move is likely a response to growing pressure from rivals like Samsung and Google, who have made zoom photography a headline feature.
However, bumping up the megapixel count without enlarging the sensor could result in smaller pixels, which hurts low-light performance. To fix that, Apple is supposedly increasing the size of the sensor but instead of rearranging everything inside the phone, they’re rotating the telephoto lens. This shift pushes other components like the LiDAR sensor, LED flash, and mic toward the edges of the bar, explaining the need for a wider camera bump.
That said, take this rumor with a grain of salt. While the logic behind the design change seems sound, the source of the leak doesn’t yet have an established track record.
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Design-wise, don’t expect a two-tone rear or major Dynamic Island changes. Despite early whispers, recent reports suggest the horizontal bar will match the color of the phone’s body, keeping the overall design minimal and sleek. As for the front, the Dynamic Island which houses the Face ID and selfie camera system is likely staying the same size.
Under the hood, the iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to use chips built on TSMC’s third-generation 3nm process (N3P). But there’s a twist, rumors suggest the top-tier “Ultra” model could get an even more advanced 2nm chip, potentially making it one of the fastest smartphones on the market when it launches.
Software-wise, all eyes will be on iOS 19, which is set to debut at WWDC 2025 in June. Apple is expected to continue pushing AI-powered features, privacy enhancements, and deeper integrations with its ecosystem. With iOS 18 already introducing on-device AI with Apple Intelligence, version 19 could double down on that momentum.
Other expected upgrades in the iPhone 17 Pro include:
- A more power-efficient OLED panel
- Improved battery life thanks to chipset and display optimizations
- Continued focus on titanium builds for durability and premium feel
If these rumors hold up, the iPhone 17 Pro could be Apple’s most ambitious camera redesign in years not just a cosmetic change, but a shift meant to supercharge photography without sacrificing the sleek Apple look
