The upcoming iPhone 17 lineup is rumored to bring major changes in design and functionality, especially for the premium models - iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max.

According to recent leaks, Apple is expected to introduce a redesigned camera system across select models in the iPhone 17 series. Fresh CAD images have surfaced, confirming previous reports of significant design changes.

A new ultra-thin iPhone: Meet the iPhone 17 Air

Leaked renders suggest that Apple will introduce an entirely new model, the iPhone 17 Air, which is expected to replace the current Plus variant. The iPhone 17 Air will feature an ultra-slim and lightweight design.

Leaker Sonny Dickson recently shared CAD-based images on social media, revealing a new horizontal camera module that spans the top width of the device.

Unlike the Pro models, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to have only a single rear camera, likely limiting its ability to capture spatial photos and videos unless Apple develops new technology to compensate.

Reports suggest that the iPhone 17 Air will feature the same 48MP wide-angle sensor used in the iPhone 16 series.

Additionally, Apple’s new glass-metal material fusion technique will allow for a smoother transition between the camera module and the device’s back panel.

iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max: A major camera redesign

The biggest design overhaul is expected for the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Apple will reportedly replace the familiar square camera bump with an aluminum camera bar that extends across the width of the phone.

Although the three-camera system remains arranged in a triangular layout, Apple has repositioned the flash, LiDAR sensor, and microphone to a vertical alignment on the right side of the camera module. It is unclear whether this redesign is purely aesthetic or serves a functional purpose.

Meanwhile, the standard iPhone 17 will retain a more familiar look, seemingly keeping the same camera system as the iPhone 16. This could be welcome news for users who prefer the traditional camera layout over the new horizontal bar design.

Hardware upgrades: More RAM, better AI performance, and new materials

The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will not only bring design changes but also significant hardware upgrades.

According to analyst Jeff Pu, both models will be equipped with 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM, enhancing AI performance and multitasking capabilities.

This marks the third time Pu has predicted increased memory in Apple’s flagship iPhones, aligning with previous reports from 2024.

While some sources, including analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, initially claimed that only the Pro Max would receive a RAM upgrade, recent leaks suggest both Pro models will benefit.

Apple is also rumored to replace the titanium frame introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro series with a new aluminum frame for the iPhone 17 Pro models.

Additional improvements include a more compact Dynamic Island enabled by Apple’s new metalens technology for Face ID, an in-house developed Wi-Fi 7 chip, and other yet-to-be-disclosed enhancements.

Expected launch and lineup details

Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series in mid-September 2025, following its usual release schedule. The lineup will likely include four models:

iPhone 17 (Standard model)

iPhone 17 Pro (Premium model)

iPhone 17 Pro Max (Flagship model)

iPhone 17 Air (Ultra-thin model replacing the Plus variant)

With radical design changes, hardware upgrades, and new AI-focused optimizations, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max could redefine Apple’s flagship smartphone experience.

Hai Phong