HIGHLIGHTS

Recent leaks indicate that the iPhone 17 Air might incorporate a horizontal camera bar design.

Unlike the Pro variants, the Air model is believed to come with a simplified single-camera system.

Sources suggest that the camera will feature an impressive 48-megapixel sensor.

Apple’s iPhone 16 series made its debut in September, and if the company sticks to its pattern, we could expect the iPhone 17 lineup to arrive in a similar timeframe in the coming year. Nevertheless, this timeline has never deterred a flurry of rumors and leaks from making the rounds in tech circles. The iPhone 17 Air has emerged as the focal point of speculation, as it is anticipated to supplant the previously existing “Plus” variant, carving a niche in the “Air” family just like its iPad Air and MacBook Air counterparts. As a result, numerous rumors and leaks regarding this device have started to appear online. A fresh leak hints that the iPhone 17 Air could sport a new horizontal camera bar feature.

Tech insider Jon Prosser from Front Page Tech has unveiled innovative renders showcasing the purported design of the iPhone 17 Air. In these images, the smartphone features a significantly large, pill-shaped camera module that stretches across the back. Unlike the Pro variants that are likely to stick with a more traditional rectangular camera island design, the Air variant appears to embrace a simpler single-camera system. Reports circulate that this system will utilize a robust 48-megapixel sensor, along with a microphone and LED flash positioned nearby.

The leaked designs further reveal that the volume rockers and action button are positioned on the left side, while the power button is located on the right. It’s plausible that Apple may introduce a dedicated camera control button within the iPhone 17 Air design, enhancing the overall user experience.

Interestingly, these renders evoke a design philosophy reminiscent of Google’s Pixel smartphones. Although not identical, the camera module’s appearance does bear certain similarities to that of the Pixel devices. This shift in design could suggest that Apple is prioritizing computational photography, emphasizing software enhancements, or aiming to achieve a more balanced weight distribution for ergonomics. Nevertheless, the true motivations behind this design change remain uncertain. For now, it’s prudent to treat all this speculation with cautious optimism as further developments unfold.