The iPhone 17 has been at the center of numerous leaks lately, and we now have what could be an early glimpse of its redesign. If the information holds true, Apple might be making a significant change to how it arranges the cameras on the rear, switching to a horizontal alignment that evokes the look of a Pixel phone.
This new design was initially revealed on Weibo and subsequently shared on X by well-known leaker Jukanlosreve. The leak showcases what’s described as part of the frame from the iPhone 17’s supply chain. According to the Weibo post, this arrangement places the ultrawide camera in the center, likely to accommodate the “front structured light,” which we infer is related to Face ID. As the translation from Chinese may not be perfect, some nuances could be missing.
In the comments section, the leaker hinted that this design layout is intended for “space video,” presumably a reference to Spatial Video—a feature that enables users to scan objects and view them within the Apple Vision Pro headset.
A design change like this for the iPhone feels quite unprecedented. While Apple has made minor adjustments over the years, the company rarely undertakes such bold transformations. Most design updates have been incremental, focusing on thinner builds, additional cameras, or larger screens, rather than rethinking camera placements like this.
The original poster on Weibo isn’t the only source corroborating this information. Digital Chat Station, another reliable insider, has also supported these claims and shared a rendering that conceptualizes what the iPhone 17 might look like.
Interestingly, the upcoming Pixel device is also rumored to undergo a design change that may make it resemble an iPhone more closely than before. It appears the two companies might be trading design philosophies, which could be a refreshing update. The Pixel has consistently featured a more sophisticated camera arrangement, and if Apple adopts a similar approach, it may result in more visually appealing devices.
