Some iPhone 17 series’ mockups have surfaced, giving us an early look at what Apple’s next-generation lineup might look like. The video, posted by iDeviceHelp, showcases physical models allegedly based on internal documents and made in collaboration with well-known leaker Majin Bu. If accurate, these mockups confirm many of the previous iPhone 17 leaks while adding a few surprises, including some potentially questionable design choices.
The lineup includes the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Apple is shaking things up by replacing the iPhone 17 Plus with the iPhone 17 Air. This is Apple’s thinnest iPhone to date. Rumors suggest it measures just 5.5 mm at its thickest point and features a 6.6-inch display. This makes it larger than the base model but slimmer than any iPhone before it.
Speaking of the base iPhone 17, don’t expect any changes to the design. According to the mockups, it will retain the same design as its predecessor. This means the real design changes will happen with the iPhone 17 Air, Pro, and Pro Max models. The Pro Max, as usual, is just a larger version of the Pro.
Odd design choice
One design choice that continues to confuse us is the large space between the camera lens and flash on the iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max. It was spotted in earlier leaks, and now it has made its appearance again in the mockups. We still don’t know what it’s for, but whatever Apple is planning, the empty space looks odd and unfinished.
It is possible Apple is going to include some extra sensors in there for the camera, but does it really need that much space? The current Pro and Pro Max lineup seems to be doing just fine with its camera module. Maybe Apple is taking some design cues from Google.
Apple is expected to officially announce the iPhone 17 lineup in September, as it does every year. While it’s still too early to say how accurate these mockups are, they corroborate the previous leaks. The success of the new design changes, especially the iPhone 17 Air’s ultra-thin profile, depends on how users respond. If Apple truly launches the thinnest iPhone ever, it could pave the way for the foldable iPhone, rumored to arrive in 2026 with a $2,000 price tag.
