New leaks suggest that the upcoming iPhone 17 series might be taking a bold design turn, one that could see the iconic smartphone adopting a look inspired by Google’s Pixel lineup. With an official launch still several months away, the latest CAD renders hint at a dramatic shift in the camera design of Apple’s next flagship models.
Leaker Majin Bu, a well-known figure in the tech rumor mill, has shared images that allegedly depict the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and the much-rumored iPhone 17 Air. The most striking change appears on the Pro models: the rear camera module, traditionally a square design, is now rendered as a long, rectangular bar that stretches across the upper body of the phone. Despite this elongated form, the camera housing retains the signature rounded edges that have become synonymous with Apple’s aesthetic.
In contrast, the standard iPhone 17 is said to keep its current camera module largely intact, subtly setting it apart from the premium variants. The iPhone 17 Air, meanwhile, is depicted with a similar elongated camera bar—albeit featuring a single lens—suggesting it might offer a more streamlined, budget-friendly alternative to its more robust siblings.
The resemblance to Google’s Pixel cameras is hard to miss. The new design seems to nod toward the pill-shaped camera bars popularized by the Pixel 9 series. This isn’t the first time Apple’s design has been compared to its rivals; however, if these renders are anything to go by, Apple might be embracing a look that balances familiarity with innovation. The idea of a rectangular camera array has already made waves among tech enthusiasts, hinting at a possible new era for the iPhone’s visual identity.

It’s worth noting that while Majin Bu has built a reputation for dropping intriguing hints, not every leaked detail has panned out in the past. As MacRumors has pointed out on several occasions, some of his earlier leaks have missed the mark. That said, the recurring theme of a rectangular camera design has been echoed by several other reputable leakers, including Front Page Tech host Jon Prosser, Ice Universe, Fixed Focus Digital, and Digital Chat Station. With multiple sources hinting at a similar design evolution, the possibility of this Pixel-inspired feature gaining traction is hard to ignore.
This isn’t the first time rumors have swirled about a redesign for Apple’s next-generation devices. In January, Majin Bu shared another image of what appeared to be part of the iPhone 17 family—this time showcasing a design that resembled the slimmed-down form factor expected of the rumored iPhone 17 Air. The design similarities extend beyond just the camera; they hint at a broader trend of minimalism and refinement, potentially positioning the iPhone 17 series to better compete with offerings from other tech giants, such as Samsung’s anticipated Galaxy S25 Edge.
As of now, these leaks remain speculative. Apple is known for its tight-lipped approach to upcoming products, and while the iPhone 17 series is anticipated to be unveiled later this year—likely in September—no official confirmation has been made regarding these design changes.
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