iPhone 17 Pro Series May Get Camera Bar, Keep Same Layout

Apple could be preparing a major design change for the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, according to leaked case CAD renders. Until now, it looked like the new aesthetics would also be limited to the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max, but recent leaks indicate that this will also be true for base iPhone 17 models. Yet, even with this visual overhaul, a YouTuber has uncovered that Apple plans to stick with the same camera layout, similar to Google’s Pixel lineup.

iPhone 17 Pro Series Tipped To Feature New Rear Camera Bar While Retaining Existing Camera Layout

Jon Prosser, who is just returning to his Front Page Tech channel after a break, speaks with sources that have provided insight about Apple releasing a redesigned rear panel to its premium models. Instead of the traditional flat backing for the triple-camera system and LiDAR sensor, Apple will reportedly go with a new camera bar.

This change could give the iPhone 17 Pro series a look that’s closer to the purported design of the Google Pixel 9 series. However, leaked renders point out that Apple’s module will occupy a larger surface area. The main camera array has been moved to the left-hand side as well, but Apple has now reportedly added a vertical row of the LED flash, rear microphone, and LiDAR sensor to the right. The iPhone 17 Pro models may also sport a two-tone finish, with the camera bar finished in a darker tone than the rest of the device.

Perhaps Apple realized that customers were fed up with the incremental design updates they’ve been rolling out in the past few years. It was the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max introduced larger displays, but the reception to the changes was lukewarm. This lack of enthusiasm could be a factor behind Apple’s slightly lower iPhone revenue in Q1 2025 compared to the same period last year.

With this redesign, Apple could be aiming to revitalize consumer interest and boost sales. The company is also expanding Apple Intelligence to more regions, including China, which could further enhance the iPhone 17 series’ appeal. Combined with the design overhaul, this strategy may lead to a more positive market response when the new models launch later this year.

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