Even though the iPhone 16 reveal is just around the corner (four months away), rumors about the iPhone 17 are already swirling. According to a leak from The Information, Apple might be planning a major design overhaul for at least one high-end model in the iPhone 17 lineup.
The report dives deeper, revealing Apple is experimenting with various designs for this “slimmer iPhone.” These designs might include an aluminum body, a smaller cutout for the front camera and sensors (possibly ditching the current pill-and-hole setup), and a screen size that falls between the existing iPhone options (likely between 6.1 and 6.7 inches).
The report also suggests a major camera rearrangement for this iPhone 17. The rear camera bump could be shifted from the top-left corner to the center position at the back.
This design move, according to The Information, could be as significant as the ‘major redesign’ introduced with the iPhone X. The report even hints that this new iPhone 17 might be positioned above the iPhone Pro Max in terms of features.
Apple might revamp a high-end iPhone 17 with a slimmer design, stronger chip, and improved camera. This phone could have a unique center camera layout and screen size between current iPhones. Reports conflict though, so the final design remains a mystery.
Is this the iPhone 17 Ultra?
The aluminum body rumored for this iPhone 17 might be a standard model since Apple typically prioritizes design upgrades for their high-end Pro phones. Currently, Pro iPhones use a combination of titanium and glass for a more premium feel, while standard models use aluminum and glass. This leak could be for an early prototype rather than the final design.
The rumored centered rear camera design adds another layer of mystery. While analyst Ross Young recently debunked reports of under-display sensors for the iPhone 17 Pro (those are planned for 2026), this suggests Apple might be exploring significant camera layout changes for the iPhone 17.
Apple’s future iPhone plans are unclear. There are rumors of a new iPhone Plus or even a super high-end model beyond the Pro Max, echoing previous talk of an “iPhone Ultra.” But these could simply be ideas Apple is exploring for later releases, not confirmed features for the iPhone 17.