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The iPhone 17 is already casting its shadow long before its official launch in the fall. In recent weeks, numerous CAD drawings have appeared that provide a closer look at the possible design of the upcoming iPhone models. Particularly striking is the new iPhone 17 Air, which appears for the first time in the model range. The Pro models also seem to have a significant change to the camera system. Apple remains true to its design philosophy, but still seems to be introducing some innovations.
Every year, Apple fans are excited about the next generation of iPhones, but the iPhone 17 could be one of the more interesting updates in recent years. Initial CAD leaks suggest that Apple has revised both the standard and Pro models. The iPhone 17 Air in particular is causing a stir as it may replace the iPhone 16 Plus. The camera design of the Pro series is also striking, as Apple appears to have made major adjustments.
The design: Air and Pro models with new approaches
The leaked CAD files show a revised design for three variants of the iPhone 17. The biggest innovation is the iPhone 17 Air. It is said to be particularly thin and offer a larger display without entering the price range of the Pro models. This could allow Apple to create a new device class between the standard and Pro models.
At first glance, the iPhone 17 itself does not appear to have any drastic visual changes compared to its predecessor, but it does receive internal improvements. On the Pro models, however, the significantly larger camera bump is noticeable.
New camera design for the Pro models
Both the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are getting a significant overhaul in the camera area. The camera bump has become larger and offers space for the three-lens camera system, the flash, the LiDAR sensor and the rear microphone. It remains to be seen whether this indicates larger sensors, improved zoom technology or new software features. Since CAD files with the same design have repeatedly appeared in recent weeks, it seems unlikely that the design will change fundamentally before the launch in September.
iPhone 17 Air: Thin case and larger display
With the iPhone 17 Air, Apple is apparently bringing a completely new model onto the market. It is said to be particularly thin and have a larger screen diagonal than the standard model. However, it remains priced below the Pro models and could replace the iPhone 16 Plus. It is interesting to note that, according to the leaks, the iPhone 17 Air will only have a single rear camera. The question remains whether Apple is relying on a particularly powerful lens here or whether software-supported improvements will ensure that the image quality can keep up with the more expensive models.
Standard, Pro and Air – the iPhone 17 line-up at a glance
The leaked CAD drawings paint a clear picture of what the iPhone 17 could look like. While the standard model is only being revised internally, the Pro models will receive a significant change in camera design. The iPhone 17 Air could prove to be an interesting alternative for users who want a larger display but don't want to go for the expensive Pro Max. Whether the leaks prove to be true will become clear in September at the latest, when Apple officially presents the new models. (Photo by Unsplash / Yuheng Ouyang)
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