Recent leaks suggest Apple might be planning its biggest iPhone design change in years. These rumours, while interesting, should be taken with a grain of salt until Apple makes official announcements. Most of this information comes from “Digital Chat Station,” a leaker on Chinese social media site Weibo, who has a mixed track record with predictions.
Possible camera redesign
The most talked-about rumour involves a complete camera redesign. Instead of the current square or diagonal layout, leakers claim all iPhone 17 models might feature a horizontal bar design.
According to these unconfirmed reports:
- The rumoured “Air” model could have a slim bar with just one camera
- Pro models might get a wider bar stretching across the whole back
- The Pro models might keep their three cameras, but in a new arrangement
Rumoured new materials
Another interesting but unconfirmed rumour suggests the Pro models could use two different materials:
- Top half (including camera bar): aluminium
- Bottom half: glass for wireless charging
If true, this would be the first time Apple has used this kind of dual-material design in an iPhone.
Possible Pro Max display improvements
Several sources have mentioned display upgrades for the Pro Max, though none of these are confirmed:
- A new “metalens” might make the Face ID area smaller
- The OLED panel could use new technology for better battery life
- There’s talk of a tougher anti-reflective coating
What we actually know
At this point, very little. Apple hasn’t confirmed any of these details, and they likely won’t until the official announcement, probably in September 2025. While these rumours paint an interesting picture of what might be coming, Apple’s plans could change completely before release.
Remember: the iPhone rumour mill is always active, but many exciting rumours never make it to the final product. It’s best to view these potential changes as interesting possibilities rather than confirmed features.
Not sure if the iPhone 17 will be worth the wait? The iPhone 16e just got released!
