iPhone 17 series: How credible are the current leaks? Apfelpatient

With every new iPhone generation, the first leaks and rumors appear months before the official launch. This is no different with the iPhone 17. But this time the information is particularly exciting because Apple is allegedly working on a new model: the iPhone 17 Air. The iPhone 17 Pro is also expected to receive some design changes. While the standard iPhone 17 will probably only get minor adjustments, the Air and Pro models seem to be taking much bolder steps. One of the most noticeable innovations could be a camera bar on the back that stretches across the entire width of the device. How credible is this information? And what impact could the changes have on usage and the market? A look at the current leaks provides some insight.

Apple has made some fundamental design changes in recent years, albeit in rather small steps. Since the iPhone X, there have been new materials, smaller notches and new camera systems, but the basic design has remained largely the same. The Pro models continue to use a three-camera system, while the cheaper models have a maximum of two lenses. The rumors surrounding the iPhone 17 now suggest that Apple could take a different path - with an even slimmer iPhone and a new camera arrangement. The iPhone 17 Air in particular raises questions. What does the "Air" stand for? Will it be a completely new product category or simply a lighter version of the normal iPhone?

iPhone 17 Air: The thinnest iPhone ever?

One of the most discussed rumors concerns the iPhone 17 Air. According to various sources, Apple plans to launch a particularly thin and light iPhone that will stand out from previous models. However, current technology limits Apple. Thinner smartphones often mean a smaller battery and less space for large camera sensors. Nevertheless, Apple may have found ways to make the iPhone 17 Air competitive.

iPhone 17 Air design — Image: FrontPageTech

Another striking detail is the camera bar. While current iPhones have a compact camera module that is located in one corner, the new camera arrangement will extend across the entire width of the device. This design is reminiscent of older smartphones such as the Nexus 6P or current Google Pixel models. If Apple were to take this step, it would be a clear break with the previous style.

iPhone 17 Pro: Will the familiar design remain?

While major changes are expected for the iPhone 17 Air, the situation with the iPhone 17 Pro is unclear. On the one hand, there are reports that Apple could adopt the camera bar here as well, but on the other hand, there are indications that the design will remain largely unchanged. Since the iPhone 11 Pro, Apple has relied on a three-camera system with a square arrangement. This configuration has proven itself and is appreciated by many users. A switch to a camera bar would mean a significant change and may also require changes to the internal hardware.

iPhone 17 Pro Apple — Image: @asherdipps / X

If Apple decides to do this, the iPhone 17 Pro could look closer to the iPhone 17 Air. This would be an unusual step, as the Pro models have always had a clear unique selling point. If, on the other hand, nothing changes in the design, it could mean that Apple is deliberately spreading the leaks or testing various prototypes at an early stage.

Why an iPhone 17 Air?

In recent years, Apple has been constantly expanding its iPhone portfolio. In addition to the regular iPhone, there is the Plus or Mini model, the Pro models and the SE. The iPhone 17 Air could represent a new category aimed at users who value a particularly light and thin device. There are several reasons why Apple might take this step. One of them is direct competition with Samsung, which also relies on a particularly thin design with its Galaxy S25 Edge. With the iPhone 17 Air, Apple could specifically offer an alternative that combines a high-end device with reduced weight. Another possible reason is that Apple is positioning the Air model as the new "mid-range" between the standard and Pro models. In this case, it could be a cheaper device that sets itself apart from the Pro models in terms of design and feel but does not offer their full performance.

Are the leaks credible?

In the past, iPhone leaks have often been astonishingly accurate. Even before the iPhone X was released, there were reliable hints about the edgeless design and Face ID. Many leaks also hit the mark with the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15. However, there are also counterexamples. For example, there was long speculation about an iPhone with a rear Touch ID sensor that never appeared. Rumors about a Smart Connector for the iPhone have also turned out to be false. This means that not all information about the iPhone 17 is necessarily correct. The design of the iPhone 17 Pro in particular remains an open question. With the iPhone 17 Air, on the other hand, there are already several independent sources that confirm the thinner case and the camera bar.

Rumors and reality: What can we expect from the iPhone 17?

The iPhone 17 could herald an exciting year for Apple. While the standard model will probably only receive minor changes, the iPhone 17 Air could be a breath of fresh air as a new, particularly thin model. The camera bar is one of the biggest design changes in years and could affect both the Air and the Pro models. It remains to be seen whether Apple will actually implement all of these changes. The leaks are promising but not yet certain. There is conflicting information, especially about the iPhone 17 Pro. So should you wait to buy an iPhone? If you're hoping for a lighter, more elegant iPhone, the iPhone 17 Air could be an interesting option. However, if you're speculating on a radically new Pro model, you should keep a close eye on the coming months. Are you looking for new accessories? Visit our Amazon Storefront – there you will find a variety of products from leading providers, including for HomeKit and more! (Photo by Unsplash / Semeon Hrozian)