The anticipation around the iPhone 17 is building, especially with two noteworthy design variants emerging: the iPhone 17 Air and the iPhone 17 Pro. While a standard iPhone 17 will be available, it appears that Apple’s design approach this year may not break new ground.
So, what distinguishes the iPhone 17 Air and iPhone 17 Pro? Opinions seem divided: some enthusiasts believe these designs are authentic, while others are skeptical, thinking Apple would never adopt such radical changes as suggested by recent leaks.
Redesigns can be exciting, even if they’re not entirely new
A consensus exists that changes in iPhone design are always exciting. Had the iPhone X not showcased a futuristic aesthetic in 2017, the internet would have found the iPhone 8—essentially a repeat of the iPhone 7—underwhelming.
We’re gradually returning to that trend with the iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and iPhone 16. I argue that the innovations in camera design, color options, button placements, materials, and the reduced notch integrating Dynamic Island have provided a refreshing feel to current iPhone models. While the candy bar silhouette remains, these phones are now thinner, lighter, and ergonomically designed, avoiding a return to rounded edges.
An excellent instance of a seemingly “new” design injecting excitement into an otherwise average product is the fourth-generation iPhone SE (or potentially the first generation iPhone 16E, if that naming convention is adopted). The iPhone SE 4 is rumored to resemble the iPhone 14, which is being hailed as a bold redesign, especially considering the previous iPhone SE 2 and SE 3 took cues from the iPhone 8’s rather dated dimensions and features.
Why is Apple introducing an iPhone 17 Air?
The recent iPhone releases typically included five variations: iPhone SE, iPhone #, iPhone # Plus (or iPhone # mini depending on the year), iPhone # Pro, and iPhone # Pro Max.
This year, however, it’s anticipated that the lineup will include a new option without dropping any existing models: the iPhone # Air.
While the iPhone X set the tone for forthcoming iPhones, the introduction of the iPhone Air seems to take a different approach.
There will always be consumers prioritizing top-notch camera capabilities and battery life over sleek, lightweight devices. Conversely, there are consumers who are drawn to the latest models that don’t carry a $999 price tag.
Current technology constraints prevent Apple from achieving thinner and lighter devices without sacrificing camera performance and battery capacity. However, innovations do enable Apple to explore unprecedented levels of thinness and lightness in smartphones. For Samsung, this may translate to the yet-to-be-released Galaxy S25 Edge, while for Apple, it looks to be embodied in the iPhone 17 Air.
Whether a thinner model can effectively compete with either more affordable or feature-rich options remains to be seen. Nonetheless, it’s essential for Apple to maintain competitive standing against Samsung in this niche segment, albeit with a possibly limited customer base.
But are the leaks reliable?
This leads us to discuss the design leaks surrounding the iPhone 17 Air and iPhone 17 Pro.
The iPhone 17 Air is anticipated to feature a unique camera bar running across its rear. Recent models have sported a camera plateau comparable to the size of an Apple Watch, while the iPhone 16 transitioned to a more compact pill-shaped camera design.
The camera bar design is expected to feature on both the Air and Pro models, marking a significant shift for the Pro series. Since the iPhone 11 Pro, Apple has consistently employed a three-camera arrangement set atop a rounded rectangular bump.
By replacing the familiar camera bump with a sleeker design, both the iPhone 17 Air and iPhone 17 Pro will display a fresh appearance aimed at conveying a premium feel. If these leaks are accurate, this strategy might promote the more basic single-camera iPhone 17 Air while the standard iPhone 17 will include an additional rear camera.
I personally find the iPhone 17 Air design quite credible. Not based on any inside information, but rather because it aligns with the trend and volume of leaks from previous years.
Moreover, historical accuracy in iPhone design leaks enhances my confidence in these claims. Since the “teardrop iPhone 5” era, we’ve not seen a major iPhone design leak completely miss the mark.
Some time, however, previously rumored designs fall short of reality, such as the rear-facing Touch ID sensor and the mythical iPhone “smart connector.” Those concepts belong in the realm of fiction regarding actual released products.
Nevertheless, regardless of the sources of these leaks, I wouldn’t rule out the possibility of the iPhone 17 Pro appearing very similar to the iPhone 16 Pro. It’s conceivable that Apple is indeed working on incorporating the Air’s camera design into the Pro version, which might lead to leaks, resulting in the iPhone 17 Air being the sole model highlighting the “camera bar” this year.
While I wouldn’t place bets on the iPhone 17 Pro mirroring the iPhone 16 Pro, there currently lacks a similar consensus regarding the Pro design for this year. However, I remain open to being proven wrong.
Ultimately, my philosophy regarding iPhone design leaks is clear: the more unconventional they appear, the greater the likelihood they are genuine.
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