If you're hoping for a completely new iPhone design, you'll likely be disappointed with the iPhone 17 Pro. According to Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman, the new model will look barely different from the iPhone 16 Pro. In his newsletter, he makes it clear: Don't expect a bold new look. This applies primarily to the front, but he also corrects rumors about the back.
Recently, many rumors have circulated online about possible changes to the iPhone 17 Pro. Among other things, it was reported that Apple is planning a smaller Dynamic Island cutout. Images of a two-tone back also circulated, showing, for example, a dark camera block on a silver casing. This would have made for a much more striking look. But Gurman contradicts these speculations. The iPhone 17 Pro will change much less than many expect.
Front design remains almost unchanged
According to Gurman, the front of the iPhone 17 Pro will be "fairly similar" to that of the iPhone 16 Pro. This means the Dynamic Island cutout will remain roughly the same size. Anyone hoping Apple would make visible improvements here will be disappointed. Visually, there's hardly any new change on the front. There's also currently no indication of any major changes to the display size or bezels.
Back: Camera design is adjusted – but discreetly
The most noticeable change will be on the back, namely the camera unit. According to Gurman, this will be the same color as the rest of the casing. The images circulating so far with a two-tone design – i.e., a black camera module on a light casing – are, he says, incorrect. Apple is staying true to its current design language and refraining from optical experiments. The camera block will be color-coordinated, but its basic shape will remain the same. This means that the camera bar will remain part of the design, but will appear somewhat less conspicuous due to the uniform color (via Bloomberg).
Gradual instead of radical changes
Overall, Apple is taking a rather cautious approach with the iPhone 17 Pro. The design changes are minimal, and the device will be barely distinguishable from its predecessor in everyday use. Those hoping for a major leap forward will have to be patient. According to Gurman, Apple isn't planning any major innovations for a few years.
Outlook for 2027: Things will get exciting
Mark Gurman points to 2027, when the iPhone celebrates its 20th anniversary. For that occasion, he says Apple is planning "more drastic changes." These could include a foldable iPhone and a completely new Pro model. Until then, Apple is apparently focusing on continuity—with small adjustments rather than big surprises.
iPhone 17 Pro remains on familiar course
If you're currently using an iPhone 16 Pro, there's little reason to upgrade from a design perspective. While the iPhone 17 Pro's specs aren't yet known, Apple is sticking with its tried-and-true design. No bold experiments, no two-tone back, no smaller Dynamic Island—instead, there's a slightly revised camera design with a more understated look. Those waiting for major innovations should wait until 2027. Until then, the iPhone 17 Pro remains a solid but visually familiar update. (Image: FrontPageTech)
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