Could the iPhone 17 Pro Revolutionize Design with a Runway-Style Camera?

Could the iPhone 17 Pro Revolutionize Design with a Runway-Style Camera?As 2024 draws to a close and the tech wave of 2025 approaches, Apple is generating significant buzz with potentially major design changes to the iPhone 17 Pro. Abandoning the familiar triple-lens camera matrix, Apple is reportedly experimenting with a novel "runway-style" camera arrangement

Could the iPhone 17 Pro Revolutionize Design with a Runway-Style Camera?

As 2024 draws to a close and the tech wave of 2025 approaches, Apple is generating significant buzz with potentially major design changes to the iPhone 17 Pro. Abandoning the familiar triple-lens camera matrix, Apple is reportedly experimenting with a novel "runway-style" camera arrangement. This isnt the vertical stacking seen on Samsung or Meizu phones; instead, the cameras are positioned horizontally across the top of the rear panel. Think of the Google Pixel 9 Pros camera module shifted slightly upwards that's the anticipated look of the iPhone 17 Pro. (Source: Google; Note: Pixel 9 Pro render sourced from online leaks, Source: Twitter)

This design is unprecedented in iPhone history and relatively rare in the smartphone world. While phones like the Meizu 17 and the Google Pixel 9 Pro have featured similar horizontal camera arrangements (Source: Meizu), it never became a mainstream trend. Current leaks aren't definitive about the entire iPhone 17 series adopting this design; the standard iPhone 17 may retain the vertical arrangement, suggesting Apple aims to widen the gap between standard and Pro models.

More intriguingly, a prominent tech blogger suggests that not only will the iPhone 17 Pro sport this horizontal camera, but numerous Android phones will follow suit next year. This implies that the change goes beyond mere aesthetics and points to deeper underlying reasons.

With the emergence of iPhone 17 Pro renders, more and more bloggers are joining the discussion. Those with close ties to the supply chain have corroborated similar information from internal sources. One blogger even shared an image of a physical phone frame, showing design features and button cutouts unmistakably indicating an iPhone, with a large top opening matching renders. (Source: Weibo)

Based on current information, the horizontal camera design is highly likely. So, the question is: why are Apple and Android manufacturers seemingly abandoning the matrix camera arrangement in unison? Will a horizontal camera become the future trend?

While phones like the Nexus 6P and Galaxy S10 employed similar designs (Source: Lei Technology), the initial impetus was largely aesthetic, with designers focusing on creating a novel rear cover. As camera sizes and sensor areas increased, the matrix arrangement became standard. This layout improved internal space utilization, accommodating telephoto lenses and large main sensors.

However, the matrix arrangement is reaching its limits. Users of flagship phones like the Xiaomi 14 Ultra and vivo X100 Ultra have noted the significant "footprint" of the camera module. Normal grip often leads to fingers contacting the module, impacting hand feel and smudging lenses.

With the resurgence of the "camera wars," manufacturers cant sacrifice image quality for ergonomics; camera modules can't shrink. The only solution to improve user experience is relocating the module. Vertical placement is impractical, as the large main and telephoto sensors would cause the array to clash with the user's fingers, impacting battery placement, and hindering heat dissipation.

This leaves the top as the only viable option. The top area remains largely unhindered during normal use, and with screens exceeding 6.7 inches, the width readily accommodates three cameras, potentially even expanding to a more extended ""-shaped arrangement.

Beyond ergonomics and aesthetics, horizontal cameras better facilitate spatial video recording. Recall the iPhone 16's camera shift from diagonal to vertical, designed for spatial video. The iPhone 17 Pro's horizontal design allows users to capture spatial video while holding the phone vertically, enhancing the experience and functionality when used with Vision Pro. (Source: Apple)

Apple seemingly hasn't forgotten its Vision Pro. Rumors of a cheaper Vision Pro next year seem increasingly plausible; Apple remains committed to spatial computing. Are Android manufacturers similarly motivated? It seems likely. Companies like Xiaomi are internally developing AR devices, and information on VR products is surfacing.

Smartphone market growth is nearing its limit, necessitating exploration in spatial display devices. No manufacturer is willing to be left behind. Spatial display devices are highly reliant on peripherals and ecosystem support, making preparations starting next year prudent.

All signs point towards the matrix design potentially being replaced by horizontal cameras. Whether for better internal space management, improved aesthetics, or to prepare for the future of spatial display ecosystems, horizontal designs offer significant advantages.

Will the iPhone Finally Change? Beyond the horizontal camera, other rumors include a 120Hz refresh rate across the iPhone 17 line, though this is debatable. Apple's claims regarding 120Hz in the iPhone 15 series, ultimately proving untrue for the standard iPhone 16, have made users skeptical. The general consensus is: "If Apple provides it, great; otherwise, 60Hz is perfectly usable."

Additionally, the iPhone 17 series will reportedly return to aluminum frames, with titaniums two-generation run surprisingly coming to an end. (Source: Lei Technology) This makes sense considering the high processing cost of titanium and lukewarm user feedback, with some complaints about weight and feel.

Therefore, switching to aluminum, particularly for weight reduction, is logical. Apple will, of course, differentiate the Pro version's aluminum alloy from the standard model in material composition and finish.

Renders suggest an integrated frame and back design for the iPhone 17 Pro, with the lower half being glass and the rear combining aluminum and glass.

Beyond materials and design, Apple's product line is again adjusting. Sources suggest the underperforming Plus model, affecting Pro Max sales, will be dropped in favor of the previously rumored iPhone 17 Air, a 6.6-inch lightweight model positioned between the standard and Pro Max models. (Source: Twitter)

Furthermore, a foldable iPhone is anticipated in 2026, with this information seeming more credible given recent patent disclosures. The foldable phone has been around for six years, establishing itself in the market, and its growing market share shows consumer acceptance. An Apple entry is almost certain; the only question is when.

From the iPhone 17 Air to the foldable iPhone, Apple's iPhone product line transformations are increasingly frequent. Past mini and Plus models represent explorations in the mobile ecosystem. Faced with intense competition from Android, and declining market share, coupled with Vision Pro's underperformance, the iPhone has become the focus of Apple's adaptation. This change, while unspoken, is driven by the reality of declining market share.

Apple users will welcome faster development, while Android users will benefit from the pressure to improve, creating a win-win scenario.

Finally, we want to ask: Would you accept this iPhone 17 Pro design? Share your thoughts.

CES 2025 begins January 7th, 2025. Stay tuned for our comprehensive coverage.