Apple is reportedly set to introduce a significant design change with its upcoming iPhone 17 series. A recent leak from Weibo suggests that the tech giant is altering the way the frame connects to the back of the device. Instead of the current “step” design, the new iPhone 17 will feature a smoother, sloping transition between the frame and the glass.
This shift marks a departure from the sharp-edged design first seen with the iPhone 12 series. The design tweak is believed to enhance the overall in-hand feel, making the device more comfortable and ergonomic for users.
In a post on Monday, the Chinese leaker claimed that suppliers say the iPhone 17 is adopting a “process overhaul,” suggesting that Apple has developed new manufacturing techniques to create smoother transitions between different materials.
“The key point is that the connection area between the body’s deco [camera bump] and the back cover is a slope rather than a step,” said the leaker, based on a machine translation. The “slope” probably denotes the seamless visual flow between the camera bump and the back – or the point where the jutting aluminium lens module connects with the rear cover.
Apple is reportedly considering a shift for the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, moving away from the titanium frame and returning to aluminium. Rumours suggest that the iPhone 17 Pro models will feature an aluminium frame paired with a unique half-aluminum, half-glass backing, moving away from the traditional all-glass design. The upper section of the back will feature aluminium, whereas the lower section will remain glass to enable wireless charging capabilities
Will Every iPhone 17 Model Feature This Design?
The leaker has not clarified whether this design shift will apply to all iPhone 17 models or only specific ones. Apple often keeps specific features for its Pro models, so it wouldn’t be unexpected if this new design is limited to the Pro versions. There’s a chance that the curved frame and back might be featured throughout the entire lineup, offering a cohesive design refresh for all models.
The new frame and back design have certainly caught attention, but the buzz surrounding the iPhone 17 Pro’s camera module has ignited quite a discussion. Initial leaks indicated that Apple could potentially swap out the existing camera island for a new camera visor. Nonetheless, alternative sources have challenged this assertion, leading to ambiguity regarding the ultimate design of the camera arrangement. Although specifics are still unclear, it’s clear that Apple is looking into options to revamp the iPhone’s design.
