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The iPhone 17 Pro is expected to bring some of the biggest design changes in years. New leaks show components that point to a completely new camera system and material changes. Apple could also integrate features like reverse wireless charging to make the device even more versatile. The rumors are based on leaked images allegedly from the production line. They provide a first glimpse into how the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max might differ from their predecessors.
Apple traditionally unveils its new iPhones every September. Until then, much remains speculation, but insider reports and leaks have already painted a good picture of the upcoming models. The iPhone 17 Pro could launch with a completely new camera arrangement, a redesigned casing, and improved battery life. A recently surfaced image shows that Apple is fundamentally changing the back of the iPhone 17 Pro. Instead of the usual triangular triple camera setup, there will be a horizontal camera bar that stretches across the entire width of the device. Apple could also manufacture the casing from a mix of glass and aluminum, which should improve both stability and functionality (via X).
New camera design: Horizontal arrangement instead of triangular layout
Perhaps the most striking innovation concerns the camera system. Instead of the previous triangular arrangement, the iPhone 17 Pro is said to have a continuous camera bar on the back. The new design is reminiscent of the Google Pixel series and could offer several technical advantages. According to leaks, the bar contains the following elements:
- Three camera lenses on the left side
- Flash, microphone and LiDAR sensor on the right side
It remains unclear exactly why this change is being made. It's possible that the company wants to make room for larger sensors to improve image quality. Better heat dissipation through the new arrangement could also be a reason.
Material changes: aluminum instead of titanium?
Since the iPhone 15 Pro, Apple has relied on titanium as its casing material. However, for the iPhone 17 Pro, Apple could switch back to aluminum. The material is cheaper to produce and, when combined with glass, could increase durability. The new casing is said to be half glass and half aluminum. This would allow Apple to kill two birds with one stone:
- Aluminum provides greater resistance to falls
- Glass still allows wireless charging via MagSafe
Another detail concerns the Apple logo on the back. A glass area will remain around it.
Wireless reverse charging for AirPods and Apple Watch
Another rumor claims that the iPhone 17 Pro will feature reverse wireless charging. This would allow the device to power other Apple products like AirPods or the Apple Watch by simply placing them on the back of the iPhone. Currently, Apple devices can only be charged via USB-C at up to 4.5W. With the new technology, the iPhone 17 Pro is expected to achieve a wireless charging power of 7.5W. If this rumor proves true, the iPhone 17 Pro would be the first Apple smartphone to officially support this feature.
Thicker case for a larger battery
In addition to design and material changes, Apple could also improve battery life. Rumor has it that the iPhone 17 Pro Max will be slightly thicker than its predecessor. The case thickness is expected to increase from 8.25 mm to 8.725 mm to make room for a larger battery. Longer battery life would be particularly beneficial for users who use their smartphone intensively for gaming, photography, or business purposes.
New model division within the iPhone 17 series
Apple could also pursue a new model strategy with the iPhone 17. While the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will receive the biggest updates, the standard model is expected to retain some familiar design elements. Another model, called the iPhone 17 Air, is expected to replace the current Plus model. This device could also feature the new horizontal camera design, but with only a single lens. This would further differentiate Apple between the standard and Pro models:
- iPhone 17 Pro & Pro Max: New camera design, glass and aluminum body, improved battery life
- iPhone 17 Air: Thinner design with horizontal camera setup, but only one lens
- iPhone 17 standard model: Retaining the current design of the iPhone 16 series
This strategy would be aligned with Apple's current market strategy, where Pro models offer exclusive features such as higher-quality cameras.
When will the iPhone 17 be released?
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series in September. Traditionally, the Apple event takes place in the first half of September, with sales starting a few weeks later. However, until the official unveiling, it remains unclear which of the leaked information is actually accurate. Apple could still make changes before final production.
iPhone 17 Pro: High expectations for the new flagship
The iPhone 17 Pro looks set to be one of the most exciting iPhone models of recent years. The new camera design and the potential introduction of reverse wireless charging, in particular, make the device appealing to many users. Whether Apple will actually opt for an aluminum frame and how the new casing will perform in practice remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that Apple will continue to focus on clearly differentiating its model lines. Many rumors will continue to surface before the official launch – but there are already many indications that the iPhone 17 Pro will have some surprises in store. (Image: FrontPageTech)
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