iPhone 17 Pro Leak Teases Major Design Shift; What Is Apple Bringing Back?

Apple is reportedly planning a major design update for the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro. Multiple leaks indicate that the company will replace the titanium frame used in the iPhone 15 Pro series with a glass and aluminum construction.

This shift represents a return to a material combination seen in earlier iPhone models, which were often praised for their balance of elegance, durability, and lighter weight. iable leaker Majin Bu, the iPhone 17 Pro’s glass-aluminium frame could also allow Apple to introduce more diverse color options. Leading the new palette is a Sky Blue variant, inspired by the M4 MacBook Air.

This finish will replicate the soft, opulent aesthetics of Sierra Blue, popularized by the iPhone 13 Pro. Apple has historically demonstrated that the implementation of Sky Blue is a significant driver of market interest and sales through the use of innovative color variations.

Camera Bar Redesign

In addition to changes in materials and finishes, Apple is reportedly planning a substantial redesign of the iPhone 17 Pro’s rear camera system. Shared images of early case prototypes indicate a new horizontal camera bar that spans the entire width of the phone’s back.

The LiDAR and strobe components are positioned on the right side of the newly relocated camera bar, which features a three-camera array in the traditional top-left section. A prominent protrusion encases the module containing these components, distinguishing it from earlier Pro versions.

This updated layout opens up possibilities for customizing visual design elements. Recent leaks suggest that Apple may introduce interchangeable camera bar covers, allowing users to choose their preferred designs for the camera module section.

The inclusion of camera bar covers presents a creative opportunity and additional revenue source for consumers, as Apple has the potential to produce these covers in collaboration with third-party manufacturers. Redesigned cases that protect against potential damage and showcase the modified shape will bolster the new camera bar design.

Internal Upgrades and Expected Launch

Beyond the visual and material updates, the iPhone 17 Pro chips will use a 3nm process, which delivers better energy efficiency and performance together with the A20 Pro version.

The Pro model’s camera hardware is enhanced by the inclusion of three 48mp exterior cameras and a 24MP front-facing camera, which enhances the capabilities of mobile photography.  An in-house Wi-Fi modem produced by Apple and an expanded battery are expected to be included in the impending iPhone 17 Pro.

Although designers will introduce substantial changes to design options, analysts anticipate that the iPhone 17 Pro will maintain its fundamental shape from the previous model.

Apple is expected to officially unveil the iPhone 17 lineup in September 2025. If the reported changes are accurate, the iPhone 17 Pro may stand out not only as a technological upgrade but also as a symbol of Apple’s renewed focus on aesthetic innovation and user personalization.