Rumours continue to swirl that the upcoming iPhone 17 series will feature significant design changes for the iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and the newly named iPhone 17 Air, which is expected to replace the iPhone 16 Plus as the larger non-Pro model.

The iPhone 17 Pro models are widely expected to debut an expanded camera module, with a bold rectangular outline on the back, while maintaining the familiar triangular camera arrangement on the left side of the rear panel.

The iPhone 17 Air is rumoured to introduce a fresh product line, but its closest comparison is the current iPhone 16 Plus. Unlike its predecessor, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to drop the ultra-wide camera, opting instead for a single lens housed in a sleek, bar-style module similar to the design found on some other leading smartphones.

Recent leaks, including a supposed dummy unit shared by a well-known industry tipster, have added weight to these design rumours—though nothing is official yet.

There’s been plenty of discussion about these potential changes, and online forums highlight a mix of opinions. Still, I’m ready to join the conversation and say something that might be a bit bold: I think the rumoured new iPhone designs look fantastic.

Photo Focus

The iPhone 16 series demonstrates that Apple truly understands what matters most in today’s mobile phone market. Nearly every smartphone priced above £300 / $300 / AU$500 now offers a vibrant display, robust build quality, reliable performance, and access to either the Android or iOS ecosystem.

What really distinguishes premium flagship phones from more affordable alternatives isn’t simply the use of superior materials or faster processors for gaming and media—it’s the quality of the camera that makes the greatest difference.

With the iPhone 16 range, Apple has put a strong focus on mobile photography. All four models introduce the new Camera Control, a dedicated physical button that allows you to quickly activate the shutter and other camera functions, offering a more tactile and immersive photography experience.

The Pro models have received a powerful 48MP ultra-wide camera, while the standard models feature a redesigned lens arrangement to enable spatial capture. Coupled with the 48MP main camera, now standard even on the base models, Apple’s latest phones are more committed than ever to delivering top-tier photographic capabilities.

Looking ahead, rumours suggest the iPhone 15 Pro will introduce a 48MP telephoto camera, completing a trio of high-resolution lenses and bringing advanced video recording features to the forefront. The bold, prominent camera bar shown in early mock-ups signals Apple’s commitment to making its camera system a central feature—instantly recognisable and designed for serious photography enthusiasts.

Apple isn’t alone in this trend towards larger camera modules. Competing devices like the Xiaomi 15 Ultra feature a strikingly large circular camera island, and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra’s rear panel is packed with lenses, showing that the industry is moving towards making smartphone cameras a standout feature for users seeking the best in mobile photography.

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The rumoured iPhone 17 Air’s slimmer camera bar is a clever and practical design choice. To accommodate a high-resolution camera in such a thin device, a raised camera module is essential—this is simply down to physical limitations, not just aesthetics.

A bar that runs across the back of the iPhone 17 Air looks far more streamlined than a bulky bump, especially on a slim handset. This design also helps stop the camera from snagging on your pockets or bag compartments, making it a more user-friendly option that could even help protect your phone from damage.

After years of similar phone designs, a fresh approach like this is genuinely exciting. Of course, once the new models are released, opinions may change, but for now, the iPhone 17 Air’s updated camera bar stands out as both stylish and sensible.

A New Direction

There’s an interesting angle to consider when looking at how the redesigned iPhones fit into the broader history of Apple smartphones.

As some experts have recently highlighted, the latest iPhone designs appear to move away from the design philosophy championed by Apple’s late co-founder and its former chief designer. Their approach emphasised that great design is all about how a product works. During their time, Apple introduced many of its most iconic devices, such as the iMac, MacBook, iPad, and the original iPhone—each generation becoming thinner, lighter, and more refined, reflecting a focus on simplicity and user-friendly design.

After this era, Apple continued to develop its products, with later devices like the iPad Pro and iPhone X still retaining elements of that original design vision. However, in recent years, iPhones have shifted from being sleek and rounded to adopting a sturdier, more squared-off appearance. This change has sparked discussion about whether the newest models, such as the rumoured iPhone 17 Air, are attempting to win back users who may have felt left behind as iPhones became larger and heavier.

It’s possible that the original design leaders might not approve of adding extra material purely for style. But ultimately, the question remains: What attracts people to Apple in the first place?

If you appreciate Apple for its elegant designs that seamlessly fit into any setting, you might be concerned about features like new camera bars. On the other hand, if you value Apple’s focus on user experience and its role in shaping technology to benefit everyday users, then the continued emphasis on advanced camera systems could be a positive step.

Either way, with expected performance upgrades and a fresh look, the iPhone 17 series is likely to earn a place among the best iPhones available. We’d love to hear your thoughts on these potential new designs in the comments below.