We’re still several months away from the next iPhone hardware launch, but that hasn’t stoppedthe leaks and rumorsfrom crashing onto the scene. The new year has only just gotten to a start, but already we have an alleged look at what purports to be theiPhone 17in the flesh.
Coming courtesy of leaker Majin Bu over on X, the image showcases a rear iPhone panel, complete with a horizontal camera bar module near the top of the chassis.
Interestingly, it appears that there is only a single lens cutout within this camera bar module, save for a small LED flash cutout off to the side. As such, many X users are speculating that this device might be an early prototype ofthe elusive iPhone Air model, a possible thin-and-light variant rumored to be a part of the next iPhone lineup.
Speculating on the matter himself, Majin Bu believes the leaked image may in fact be an early look at either the iPhone 17 Air, or perhaps the upcoming fourth generation release ofApple’s iPhone SE series.
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“According to recent information that has been reported to me, the Apple 2025 line will include 4 models including iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max and another iPhone that could be called SE 4, 16E or 16SE or 17 Air. The code name for this last device should be “Roma”, if this information turns out to be correct this would mean that the SE series would turn out to be the Air series,“says Bu on X.
Many are pointing out this leaked iPhone’s similarities withthe modern Pixel line, which has incorporated a similar camera bar design for a number of years now. Others are quick to draw comparison with yet another popular Android handset from back in the day – 2015’s classicGoogle Nexus 6P, complete with its prominent rear camera visor strip.
Of course, it’s still rather early in the next-generation iPhone’s hardware development cycle, so this leaked image should be taken with a hearty dose of salt. Even if this leak is the real deal, it’s entirely possible that Apple will scrap the idea and settle on something entirely different in the end.
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Apple reportedly has a lot of new product launching this year, including a new Apple Watch SE and the iPhone 17 Air.
Horizontal camera bars are the logical way forward
Apple ought to copy the Pixel’s homework wholesale
Personally, I hope to see Apple adopt a horizontal camera bar in the next iPhone redesign. Ever since Google reintroduced us to this style of camera module in thePixel 6 series, I’ve been singing the praises of this particular design consideration.
For one, the elongated visor-like design makes it so that the device doesn’t wobble back and forth while lying down on a table – a major point of frustration in my eyes. Beyond this pragmatic usability improvement, I (subjectively) find the camera bar to be the more visually pleasing option.
Personally, I hope to see Apple adopt a horizontal camera bar in the next iPhone redesign.
The current iPhone Pro triple camera module has grown long in the tooth, having been around since 2019’siPhone 11 Pro. It’s stove top-esque appearance is certainly an iconic one, but I’d argue that it’s quite unattractive, with very little visual cohesion or symmetry to speak of.
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