Folks, this year's iPhone rumor mill has cranked on some extra gears ahead of schedule. Months before Apple is even supposed to utter a peep about its next flagship, we could be looking at one pretty substantial design shift in store for the iPhone 17. A new, leaked CAD render of what is claimed to be an iPhone 17 case just surfaced online. The rumor mill started working on suggesting the design. It is giving some major Pixel vibes across.
Horizontal Camera Bar Design for iPhone 17?
Thanks to tipster Majin Bu, the render marks a big leap from the square camera bump we have gotten so accustomed to in recent iPhones to a large, horizontal pill-shaped cutout. Yes, horizontal. Think Google Pixel but on an iPhone. That's a massive aesthetic overhaul if this leak is anything to go by.
The leaked image shows the rumored elongated pill that'll host the camera array among other elements. Older leaks from this very source put a camera circle on the left of the back in a cutout, somewhat isolated from where the flash ended. This new case render cements that concept as the general design. This can be seen from the placement of the main lens on the left in that horizontal bar.
Button Layout Seems Unchanged
Curiously enough, from what might be a shaken rear design, the position of buttons seems to be back to normal. A rendered case suggests that the Camera Control and volume buttons are retained on the same side as the iPhone 16 and prior. There is also a cutout at the bottom for confirmation that it retains the charging port. No surprises there.
Important reminder: Always take these early leaks with a healthy dose of skepticism. CAD renders—case renders in particular—aren't always 100% correct. Often case manufacturers really do get early schematics to start producing accessories, so there's *some* basis in reality.
Design Overhaul: Apple Mixing Things Up?
Apple has stuck to their design language rather well over the past few iPhone generations. Will this be the case with the iPhone 17 and finally force their hand to break out the shackles? A horizontal camera bar is certainly bold. It is a pretty big visual departure, considering. Is Apple borrowing from Google or is it something new up Apple's sleeve? Questions abound.
Too Early to Confirm iPhone 17 Design
Let's be clear: We are really early in the rumor cycle for the iPhone 17. This is just one case render. We're months away from the official announcement of the iPhone 17 later this year, so things can definitely change. If this leak is even partially accurate, we may very well be in for a really different-looking iPhone in 2025. Keep your eyes out. As more details come in, we'll be sure to update you.
