iPhone 17 will copy major rival with radical design change, leak shows

 It's not expected to be released until September, but speculation is mounting regarding Apple's upcoming iPhone 17.

Now, newly-leaked imagery gives us the best idea of what the flagship device could look like – and it reveals a radical design change. 

On X, Apple tipster Majin Bu posted digital renders of four handsets in the iPhone 17 family, including a slimmed down iPhone 17 Air.

Three of the models have rectangular camera bars across the back – which fans have noticed is very reminiscent of Google's Pixel phones. 

One X user said: 'can you term "Apple" (the company) as innovative. Especially with their iPhone 17 lineup that's simply a copy of the google pixel 9 lineup?'

Another posted: 'Still don't understand the design choices by Apple, specifically with the Air model and why they chose to copy the Google Pixel.' 

It comes just days after Apple's announcement that it is releasing a new 'budget' smartphone – the iPhone 16e.

The £599/$599 gadget has a 6.1-inch display, runs Artificial Intelligence, and brings back the controversial 'notch' at the top of the display. 

The new renders are CAD (computer-aided design) files, which are given to third-party manufacturers of iPhone cases ahead of a device's launch. 

'iPhone 17 Lineup CAD', Bu said in his X (Twitter) post, which has more than 400,000 views and 200 comments. 

The image was published by MacRumours, which said authenticity of the renders is backed by 'Weibo-based leakers' in China – where iPhones are produced. 

Apple plans to 'significantly revamp the camera design' on its upcoming iPhone 17 Pro models,' MacRumours claims, citing recent reports. 

'[The company is] moving away from the familiar square camera bump to a distinctive aluminum camera bar that spans the device's width.'

From the image, it seems the iPhone 17 Air – the slim variant set to replace the Plus model – is expected to have a single rear camera.

Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will both have three camera lenses in an 'arrow' alignment – much like previous iPhone Max models. 

The difference is that the 'camera bump' – the raised section on the back – will stretch across the width of the device, rather than being a square shape. 

The iPhone 17 family 

iPhone 17 (base model)

iPhone Air (ultra-slim)

iPhone Pro

iPhone Pro Max 

It suggests Apple is needing more space on the back of the phone to pack in camera components for its high-end models. 

According to the renders, the standard iPhone 17 model, featuring two rear camera lenses, will be the only one not to have the Pixel-esque bar. 

The Pro and Pro Max models also have bizarre red areas – which denotes a glass section for the logo area integrated into an overall metal frame, MacRumours suggests. 

One commentator on X posted: 'Pro lineup actually looks horrible, I hope they blend in the materials together for a uniform texture and looks.'  

MailOnline has contacted Apple regarding the rumour, although the tech giant is notoriously tight-lipped about any upcoming product. 

Fans already know Apple is likely to release a new slimmed-down iPhone model to go alongside the Pro and Pro Max variations this year. 

Veteran Apple analyst Mark Gurman says the 'iPhone 17 Air' or 'iPhone 17 Slim' is expected to be a lighter, thinner option with less powerful hardware.

It will tie in with Apple's range of 'Air' MacBook computers, which are touted for their light and thin design. 

Apple's newest smartphone, the iPhone 16e, is due for release on February 28 – offering a cheaper option for Apple fans.

The device runs Apple Intelligence features, including a ChatGPT integration with smart assistant Siri and the ability to make 'Genmoji' (AI-generated emoji). 

It also includes a 6.1-inch display, a two-in-one camera system, an ‘extraordinary’ battery life, and the return of the 'notch' at the top of the display. 

iPhone 16e costs £599/$599 – making it £200 cheaper than the flagship iPhone 16 which was released last autumn. 

Source: DailyMail.co.uk