iPhone 17 Pro Real Design Leaks: Goodbye Titanium, Hello New Camera Module?

iPhone 17 Pro Real Design Leaks: Goodbye Titanium, Hello New Camera Module?Rumors surrounding the iPhone 17 series are rampant. While the iPhone 17 Air's ultra-thin design is relatively clear, the much-anticipated "track-style" camera design of the iPhone 17 Pro remains shrouded in controversy

iPhone 17 Pro Real Design Leaks: Goodbye Titanium, Hello New Camera Module?

Rumors surrounding the iPhone 17 series are rampant. While the iPhone 17 Air's ultra-thin design is relatively clear, the much-anticipated "track-style" camera design of the iPhone 17 Pro remains shrouded in controversy. On February 14th, overseas blogger FrontPageTech (fpt.) claimed to have obtained inside information and used it to preview the "true" design of the iPhone 17 Pro. Let's delve into the details and assess its veracity.

I. A Plausible Design: Re-examining the "Track-Style" Camera Module

Since rumors of the iPhone 17 series adopting a "track-style" camera bump and a two-tone body design emerged, there has been much speculation about the specifics. Many bloggers have created their own rendered images. A currently popular version is TechnizoConcept's horizontally arranged triple-camera render. However, a clear flaw in this design is the lack of sufficient space for the Face ID module. Furthermore, the two-tone effect on the back is too abrupt, lacking Apple's usual refined design style.

iPhone 16 Pro CT scan image, source: ifixit

To address the insufficient space for the Face ID module, another render (by AppleTrack) emerged. This design cleverly avoids conflict with the Face ID module and shares similarities with the design philosophy of Google's Pixel 9 series.

However, after allegedly seeing a real device, fpt. states that the iPhone 17 Pro's rear triple-camera arrangement will actually remain unchanged a camera bump spanning the entire width of the device. The difference lies in the flash, microphone, and LiDAR sensor being moved to the right side of the device.

Current iPhone 16 Pro design review

Apple's intention behind this design change remains unclear, and even the source is reportedly puzzled. fpt. suggests that the rumors of a two-tone back may be a misinterpretation of the new camera bump design, a result of a "telephone game" effect.

II. Dj Vu Design Inspiration: Borrowing and Innovation

Apple's new design has resonated with many users, with many finding it familiar. OnePlus 8T Cyberpunk 2077 Edition and Xiaomi 11 Ultra, among other Android phones, have previously utilized similar horizontally oversized decorative designs. However, the iPhone 17 Pro's double-tiered camera bump treatment is more similar to last year's Redmi K70 series.

Confusingly, this design change isn't accompanied by any rumored functional improvements, appearing to be purely "change for change's sake". Even if the iPhone 17 Pro doesn't realize this design, we remain curious whether Apple will introduce new functional elements to this oversized camera bump in the iPhone 18 or 19 series.

Xiaomi 11 Ultra's secondary screen

Interestingly, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has questioned these renders, suggesting they are based on the same "fake" CAD drawings received by MajinBu. With over six months until the phone's launch, infighting among leakers has begun, and perhaps Cook's "mole hunt" has achieved a preliminary victory. Only time will tell the truth, come September.

III. Metalens Technology: A Future Promise

Another rumor suggests the iPhone 17 Pro Max will adopt "metalens" technology, significantly shrinking the size of the Dynamic Island, as depicted in AppleTrack's render. A metalens is a novel optical lens that uses nanostructured materials to manipulate light at subwavelength scales, achieving the performance of multiple traditional optical components with a single lens, thus enabling a slimmer Face ID module.

However, both Kuo Ming-Chi and fpt. believe the iPhone 17 series won't incorporate this technology, suggesting Apple's "incremental improvements" will continue at a measured pace.

IV. The End of the Titanium Age? A Return to Aluminum

Another rumor suggests the titanium material used only on the iPhone 15 Pro and 16 Pro will be abandoned. In addition to the new design, the iPhone 17 Pro may revert to an aluminum body. While fpt. can't fully confirm this, their source did indicate the phone "feels lighter".

Since the iPhone X entered the $999 era, flagship iPhones have consistently utilized high-gloss stainless steel. While PVD stainless steel is very shiny, it has also given the iPhone Pro series a consistently heavier feel than its weight might suggest. Switching to titanium in the iPhone 15 Pro two years ago resulted in a 19-gram weight reduction. However, last year's iPhone 16 Pro, with its new 5x optical zoom lens and steel-cased battery, largely negated this weight saving by increasing the device's size. If Apple wants further upgrades in specifications, compromises on materials may be necessary. We eagerly await seeing if Cook can counter the challenges posed by the iPhone 15 and 16 marketing materials when the iPhone 17 Pro ultimately appears with an aluminum chassis.