With just 12 weeks until Apple reveals its next iPhone line-up, anticipation is mounting. Leaks and reports everywhere of what’s to come, particularly for the iPhone 17 Pro and the much-discussed iPhone 17 Air. A recent leak from a trusted source offers a look at these devices, showcasing new designs.
Serial tipster Majin Bu, known for a reliable yet not infallible track record, has shared images of the iPhone 17 Pro in a sleek black finish. In a post on X, Bu says, “iPhone 17 Pro Black, absolutely beautiful,” accompanying the statement with two striking images. The mock-up reveals a refined aesthetic, with a reimagined camera panel that integrates seamlessly with the phone’s body. Unlike the iPhone 16 Pro’s prominent lenses, this design softens their dominance, creating a more cohesive look. Could this be Apple’s answer to balancing form and function?
The camera panel, a focal point of the leak, appears wider than its predecessors, a detail first hinted at by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. Gurman noted that the panel’s colour will match the phone’s body, moving away from a uniform black across all models. This approach promises a tailored aesthetic, though questions linger about how it will translate across the spectrum of colours Apple might offer. Will a cohesive design elevate the iPhone’s visual appeal, or will it challenge consumer expectations?
Examining the dummy model, the camera panel rises more prominently from the phone’s back, suggesting a deeper separation between lens and sensor. This subtle tweak could enhance photographic precision, a hallmark of Apple’s Pro models. The lenses, while still elevated, blend more naturally into the panel’s design. For the iPhone 17 Pro Max, rumoured to be the thickest Pro model yet, the mock-up strikes a balance, substantial yet sleek.
The iPhone 17 Air, another highlight of Bu’s leaks, introduces a daring departure from Apple’s traditional design language. In a post captioned, “iPhone 17 Air looks fantastic,” Bu showcases a dummy model with a single camera positioned on the left side of the phone’s back, consistent with Apple’s camera placement legacy. However, the camera panel stretches across the entire width of the device, a choice that has sparked debate. On a single-camera model, this expansive panel stands out, but the latest images suggest a more polished execution than earlier leaks implied.
The Air’s profile is equally striking. Viewed from the side, its ultra-thin silhouette is unmistakable, positioning it as a direct competitor to the sleekest devices on the market. This design prioritises elegance, but will a single-camera setup satisfy users accustomed to the versatility of multi-lens systems?
While these dummy models offer compelling insights, they remain proxies for the final product. Apple’s meticulous craftsmanship often transcends mock-ups, blending technology with intuitive design. The iPhone 17 Pro’s refined camera panel and the Air’s minimalist aesthetic hint at a line-up that pushes boundaries while staying true to Apple’s legacy of precision.
As the launch approaches, these leaks fuel curiosity. The black iPhone 17 Pro, with its sophisticated camera integration, and the daringly thin iPhone 17 Air suggest Apple is ready to take risks.