Apple may be gearing up for a significant design overhaul with the iPhone 17 series, set to launch in 2025. While the iPhone 16 lineup is still fresh in the market, speculation about its successor has already begun, with leaks hinting at major aesthetic changes. If these rumors hold, the iPhone 17 could introduce a redesigned camera module and a more compact Dynamic Island, marking the most notable design shift in years.
Since the iPhone 11’s debut in 2019, Apple has largely stuck to its signature square-shaped camera island, making only slight modifications to lens positioning over the years. However, if recently leaked renders by tipster Majin Bu are accurate, Apple may finally break away from this long-standing design.
According to the leaks, the iPhone 17 series may ditch the square camera bump in favor of a horizontal, pill-shaped camera bar. This design resembles Google’s Pixel lineup, particularly with the black camera strip running across the back. Unlike the current model, which has varying camera placements depending on the model (i.e., diagonal for standard models and triangular for Pro models), all iPhone 17 variants may feature this uniform camera bar. Apple’s decision to make this change could be driven by aesthetic reasons, improved durability, or better sensor integration.
Additionally, rumors suggest that Apple will apply a consistent black color to the camera island across all color variants. If true, this would be a departure from the current design, where camera modules typically match the phone’s body color.
Another significant rumor revolves around Apple’s Dynamic Island, which was first introduced with the iPhone 14 Pro and later expanded to all iPhone 15 models. Reports indicate that the iPhone 17 may feature a smaller Dynamic Island, potentially reducing its footprint on the display. This aligns with Apple’s broader efforts to eventually eliminate all visible cutouts in favor of an under-display Face ID system.
A smaller Dynamic Island would mean more screen real estate for users, enhancing the immersive experience while maintaining the functionality of Apple’s interactive notification hub.
While it is still too early to confirm these leaks, the iPhone 17 appears to be heading toward a significant design shift. If Apple adopts a pill-shaped camera bar and refines the Dynamic Island, the 2025 iPhone lineup could bring a fresh new look that sets it apart from its predecessors. As the launch date approaches, more details will likely emerge, giving us a clearer picture of what to expect.