iPhone 17 Pro case leak points to major redesign with Pixel-style camera bar
New leaks suggest that the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro may feature a dramatically different rear camera design, though nothing has been confirmed by Apple. Images of third-party cases, shared by long-time Apple leaker Sonny Dickson, appear to show a broader, horizontal cutout spanning the top of the device. This has sparked speculation that Apple could be moving to a full-width camera bar for the first time.
Dickson is a well-established figure in the Apple leak space, known for consistently accurate early hardware photos and CAD-based case leaks. He first gained attention for iPhone 5C leaks and has since become a reliable source for pre-launch iPhone accessories. While third-party case leaks do not always confirm final production designs, they often reflect the chassis dimensions supplied to manufacturers in advance.
As first spotted by MacRumors, the case images reveal a cutout unlike any seen on prior models. Instead of the square or rounded camera island seen in the iPhone 15 Pro and 14 Pro, this layout appears to support a camera module that stretches across the device’s width. Observers have compared the potential design to the Google Pixel 6 and later models, which adopted a similar horizontal bar.
The wider housing may provide Apple with several technical benefits, including improved heat distribution, additional lens spacing, and support for spatial video features compatible with Apple Vision Pro. Still, without official comment, the purpose behind the possible design change remains speculative.
Reactions online have been varied. In a Reddit discussion, one user wrote, “Why is there so much blank space in the camera bar? There's no need for it. Reminds me of those $200 Poco phones pretending to have a big camera setup when it’s just a black bar.” Another commented, “I’m guessing there’s going to be something there that case renders and CAD drawings won't show you.”
As with past generations, any shift in camera layout may affect accessory compatibility. Apple typically iterates on camera capabilities annually, but this would mark the first major physical change to the camera module since the square layout was introduced with the iPhone 11 Pro.
It is currently unclear whether the standard iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Plus models will adopt the same design. Apple has consistently used its Pro models to showcase new design directions and camera innovations, and the rumoured layout could serve as another point of differentiation when the iPhone 17 series is expected to launch in September 2025.
While the leaks offer an intriguing preview of what may be coming, readers should note that Apple has not confirmed any changes. Until official announcements are made, all design speculation should be treated as unverified.
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