Apple appears to be gearing up for one of its most notable design overhauls in recent years with the iPhone 17 Pro, based on a growing number of leaks from trusted sources. The tech giant is reportedly moving away from the titanium frame introduced in the iPhone 15 Pro lineup and returning to a glass and aluminum construction, reminiscent of earlier iPhone generations.
This shift isn’t just cosmetic — it could signify a strategic move to improve weight distribution, expand color options, and bring back a familiar tactile experience that resonated with long-time Apple users.
A Return to Glass and Aluminum
According to leaker Majin Bu and others, Apple plans to replace the titanium chassis with a glass-aluminum frame. This material combination, widely used in pre-iPhone 15 models, was celebrated for its sleek look, manageable weight, and structural integrity. The move also aligns with Apple’s continued efforts to balance aesthetics and functionality across its product line.
One of the standout rumored additions is a new Sky Blue finish, inspired by the M4 MacBook Air. The soft, premium hue is said to echo the Sierra Blue introduced with the iPhone 13 Pro — a color that saw widespread popularity. Apple’s use of refined color palettes has historically influenced consumer demand, making this design decision both a style and strategy play.
Major Camera Redesign on the Horizon
Another key update in the iPhone 17 Pro centers around the rear camera layout. Case prototype leaks reveal that Apple is exploring a horizontal camera bar design, spanning the full width of the device’s back — a notable departure from the vertical camera layout that has defined the Pro models for years.
This horizontal module reportedly houses a three-camera array in the traditional upper-left position, with LiDAR and strobe components relocated to the right side of the bar. The entire module is expected to have a more prominent protrusion, potentially offering enhanced protection and room for upgraded hardware.
Perhaps most intriguing is the rumor of interchangeable camera bar covers, which could introduce a new level of user customization. This modular approach could allow Apple — and potentially third-party accessory makers — to release personalized designs, turning the camera bar into both a functional and fashion-forward element.
Internal Hardware: Performance Boosts and AI Integration
Design changes aside, the iPhone 17 Pro will also deliver powerful under-the-hood enhancements. The device is expected to be powered by Apple’s next-generation A20 Pro chip, manufactured using an advanced 3nm process. This means improved energy efficiency, faster processing speeds, and enhanced support for AI-driven features.
In the camera department, Apple is rumored to equip the iPhone 17 Pro with three 48MP rear cameras and a 24MP front-facing camera, marking a significant upgrade in mobile photography capabilities. These enhancements aim to improve low-light performance, detail capture, and computational photography.
Additionally, reports suggest that Apple is working on an in-house Wi-Fi modem and a larger battery, promising better connectivity and longer screen-on times without increasing the physical footprint of the device.
What Won’t Change: Core Form Factor
Despite all the exciting changes, analysts believe the iPhone 17 Pro will retain the core silhouette of recent iPhone models — a flat display, rounded corners, and overall proportions that are familiar to Apple’s current design language.
This continuity in shape means existing accessories like screen protectors and general-purpose cases may remain compatible, though redesigned cases tailored to the new camera bar layout will likely hit the market.
Launch Timeline and Expectations
The iPhone 17 Pro lineup is expected to be unveiled in September 2025, in line with Apple’s annual release schedule. If the leaks hold true, this model could mark a turning point — not just in terms of hardware and performance, but in how Apple approaches user personalization and product design.
From new materials and color finishes to camera bar customization, the iPhone 17 Pro looks poised to appeal to a wider range of users who value both form and function.