The iPhone 17 could bring one of the biggest design changes in years - a camera bar that stretches across the entire width of the device. The first rumors about this innovation appeared in late 2024, but there are now increasing indications that Apple could actually take this step. The question is: why would Apple replace the tried and tested camera island with a continuous bar? In addition to aesthetic reasons, it could mainly be about technological challenges. Thinner iPhones and more powerful cameras need more space for their components, and a camera bar could be the solution. But how certain are these rumors really, and what would such a change mean for the iPhone 17?
The rumor about a camera bar for the iPhone 17 first surfaced in December 2024. A Weibo account called "Digital Chat Station" and an X-account called "Jukanlosreve" brought the topic into discussion. This was later followed by a leak from "Majin Bu", which, however, showed rather dubious sketches and images from the supply chain.
Jon Prosser took up the topic and spoke of a realistic possibility, but it was the well-known Apple leaker Sonny Dickson who first attracted attention with his renderings of cases with a camera bar. However, there is still no confirmation from particularly reliable sources such as Ming-Chi Kuo or Mark Gurman. This means that it could still be an early design decision or even a discarded prototype. Nevertheless, there are some reasons why Apple could decide to make such a design change.
Why might Apple introduce a camera bar?
Space management and a thinner iPhone 17
Apple has proven time and again that it wants to make devices as thin as possible. While the iPhone 16 is still 7.8 mm thick, there are rumors of an iPhone 17 Air at just 5.5 mm - making it the thinnest iPhone ever. The problem: high-quality cameras need space. Lenses, sensors and image stabilizers need a certain depth to deliver optimal results. A camera bar could solve this challenge by providing the necessary space for the camera while the rest of the device remains extremely slim. Another argument for a camera bar is that Apple may be aiming for an iPhone 17 Air as a replacement for the current Plus model. In order to make such a device as compact and powerful as possible, the camera system would have to be completely rethought.
More space for camera technology
While the iPhone 17 Air would primarily benefit from the camera bar, the iPhone 17 Pro could also make use of it. There are rumors of improved tetraprism technology, larger sensors and a new 48 MP ultra-wide-angle camera. Currently, the cameras are placed in a triangular arrangement on the back. This system could remain, but a wider arrangement could create more space for additional technology. At the same time, the design would allow other components such as the battery to be accommodated more efficiently.
design and recognizability
The basic design of Apple smartphones has hardly changed since the iPhone 12. The flat sides and angular design have been standard for years. Innovations such as the Dynamic Island have shown that users respond positively to visible design changes. A camera bar would be one of the most noticeable changes in recent years and could help to set the iPhone 17 apart from its predecessors. Nevertheless, there are concerns. Initial renderings show that even with a camera bar, the lenses would still protrude. This means that despite the continuous bar, the iPhone would not lie completely flat on a flat surface. An interesting detail is possible new accessories. MagSafe could be optimized by the new camera bar, and accessory manufacturers would have more options for using the back of the iPhone functionally.
More than just a camera?
Other manufacturers like Xiaomi have already used camera bars in their smartphones. The Xiaomi Mi 11 even had a small display in the camera bar that could show notifications or selfie previews. Apple could also integrate a function in the camera bar, although a rear display is unlikely. However, smart sensors or an optimized LED flash are conceivable. Even if it looks like the camera bar takes up unnecessary space from the outside, it could ensure a more efficient arrangement of the components inside the device. That alone would be reason enough for Apple to take this step.
Apple follows a trend that Google has already set
A camera bar would not be an entirely new invention. Google introduced such a design with the Pixel 6 in 2021, arguing that it was necessary to advance camera technology without making the device thicker overall. Google stressed that the camera bar was not only practical but also a distinctive design feature. Apple could take a similar route to advance the iPhone camera while creating a visually striking feature. The introduction of a camera bar would be comparable to previous Apple design decisions such as the notch or the Dynamic Island - initially controversial, later accepted as standard.
How realistic is the camera bar on the iPhone 17?
Whether Apple will actually introduce a camera bar in the iPhone 17 remains uncertain. There are numerous leaks and rumors, but no clear evidence from reliable sources such as Ming-Chi Kuo or Mark Gurman. Nevertheless, there are good arguments for such a design decision. An extremely thin iPhone 17 Air needs more space for its camera components, and the iPhone 17 Pro could also benefit from a larger camera bar. Technically, the solution would make sense, and from a design point of view, a noticeable change could boost sales. The coming months will show whether Apple is actually going down this path or whether the leaked prototypes are just tests for future models. One thing is certain: If Apple introduces the camera bar, it will not only be a functional solution, but a deliberately chosen design element that makes the iPhone 17 unique. Our Amazon Storefront: The best selection of accessories, also for HomeKit! (Image: @SonnyDickson / X)
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