iPhone 17 Pro leak allegedly shows improved 5G design

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Shortly before the expected launch of the iPhone 17 series, new leaks have surfaced that are causing quite a stir. A rendering shows a revised antenna design that is supposedly intended to improve wireless performance. The image was published by well-known Apple leaker Majin Bu, who described further technical details in an accompanying blog post. The rumors point to changes that could affect both connectivity and the external appearance – but not everyone considers this information credible.

The iPhone 17 Pro could feature a new antenna system specifically designed for improved 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth performance. One of the plastic antenna lines is said to wrap around the rear camera, providing a longer antenna surface while preventing the signal from being blocked by hands. In addition to this change, the device is also expected to receive technical upgrades before major internal changes follow with the iPhone 18 Pro.

New antenna design for greater range and stability

The plastic lines in an iPhone's frame aren't a design element, but a technical necessity. They ensure that wireless signals can penetrate the otherwise metallic frame unhindered. In the case of the iPhone 17 Pro, a repositioning around the camera module is intended to improve the range and stability of wireless connections. The additional length of the antenna line could have a positive impact on the reception quality of 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.

iPhone 17 Pro Apple — Image: zellzoi / X

Technical Equipment

Qualcomm modems are expected to continue to be used for cellular connectivity in the iPhone 17 Pro models. According to reports, the switch to Apple's own C2 modem will only occur with the upcoming iPhone 18 series. However, the new chip is a self-developed Wi-Fi 7 chip, which is expected to enable higher transfer rates, lower latency, and more stable network connections.

Visual changes to the frame

The new antenna design could result in fewer visible antenna lines on the iPhone 17 Pro's frame. According to one of the published renders, no such lines are visible on either the top or bottom edges of the device. This would give the device a more uniform, uncluttered appearance without compromising functionality.

Doubts about authenticity

Majin Bu is no stranger to the Apple scene, but he has had a mixed record. Some of his leaks, such as the recent announcement of a Mac-like menu bar in iPadOS 26, have been confirmed. Other predictions, however, have been false. Another leaker has already cast doubt on the credibility of this rumor. With the expected launch of the iPhone 17 series in just under a month, it remains to be seen whether the changes described will actually be implemented.

Outlook on the iPhone 17 Pro: Potential and open questions

If the information is correct, the iPhone 17 Pro could offer noticeably improved connectivity. The new antenna design, combined with modern modem technology and Wi-Fi 7, would take wireless performance to a new level. However, until the official presentation, it remains unclear whether the renderings reflect the final design. All that is certain is that expectations are high, and Apple is once again attracting considerable attention with the iPhone 17 Pro. (Image: zellzoi / X)