Although the iPhone 17 series is expected to launch in late 2025, rumors about Apple’s next flagship model have already started circulating. A new leak suggests that the upcoming iPhones may come with a major design upgrade, with a special focus on the Slim or Air variants.

A fresh leak by popular tipster Digital Chat Station (DCS) posted on Weibo claims that Apple may introduce a new look to the rear camera design of the iPhone 17 series. The leak indicates that Apple may abandon the traditional square camera module located in the upper left corner of the iPhones, replacing it with a horizontal strip that extends to the upper part of the back panel. This new design, reminiscent of Google’s Pixel phones, will place the camera sensors in a more streamlined arrangement. However, DCS notes that the exact position of the lens within this strip may vary.

Apart from this claim, another user on Weibo shared a frame of the iPhone 17 Slim model, which also supports the idea of ​​a horizontal camera island. According to the post, the ultra-wide-angle lens could be placed in the center of the strip, leaving room for Apple’s Face ID technology. This suggests that the new design may be more than just aesthetic, potentially accommodating better hardware components.

This isn’t the only design change being speculated for the iPhone 17 series. Previous reports have indicated that the Pro Max version may have a smaller dynamic island, which could imply a change in how Apple integrates the Face ID sensor. Additionally, some rumors suggest that Apple may abandon the titanium frame used in the current Pro models in favor of an aluminum body for the iPhone 17 Pro. However, these claims are still debated, with conflicting reports on the materials used by Apple.

Another key point in these leaks is the speculation surrounding the lineup. Apple is widely rumored to be discontinuing the Plus model, to be replaced by a new variant, potentially named iPhone 17 Air or Slim. Although there has been no official confirmation from Apple, there is speculation that this new model may introduce significant design changes.