iPhone 17 CAD Renders Leak, Reveal Bold Camera Redesign

Apple is reportedly set to introduce a redesigned camera system for select models in its upcoming iPhone 17 series. New CAD images that have been leaked, with matching rumors that have been circulating point to a significant design leap. If an iPhone with a Google Pixel-style camera bar doesn’t sound appealing, you may not love what’s ahead.

iPhone 17 Series CAD Renders Leak, Show Drastic Camera Redesign With Pixel-Style Bar

Renowned leaker, Sonny Dickson shared images on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Everyone seems to be sharing the same ‌iPhone 17‌ CAD, so I thought I’d share the ones I’ve seen.” The first image is said to be of the ultrathin iPhone 17 Air, a new variant that is rumored to replace the Plus model. In line with earlier facets, the render exhibits a long horizontal digital camera module operating along the highest of the system’s rear.

Because of its thinner build, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to be fitted with a single-lens rear camera, which would negate its ability to shoot spatial video or photos, unless Apple finds a workaround. It will reportedly feature a 48-megapixel Wide camera, similar to the recently announced iPhone 16 series. Some iPhone 17 models are expected to have a more seamless transition between the camera bump and the back cover, thanks to Apple’s new glass-and-metal splicing technique. The concave transition in the leaked CAD images supports this claim.

The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models, however, appear to undergo the most drastic redesign. Apple is rumored to ditch the familiar square camera bump in favor of a wider aluminum camera bar spanning the device’s width. While the triple-lens setup remains on the left, the flash, LiDAR sensor, and microphone are repositioned vertically on the right. It remains unclear if this change is purely aesthetic or also enhances functionality.

Meanwhile, the standard iPhone 17 model is expected to retain Apple’s traditional dual-camera layout, offering a more familiar design for those hesitant about the camera bar shift. With multiple leaks reinforcing these rumors, and a mid-September launch likely, it seems increasingly certain that Apple is making significant design changes to its flagship lineup.

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