IPhone 17 Air’s Bold New Look
The leaked image from Apple Hub features four iPhone 17 Air models in various colors including black, white, light purple, and teal.
The standout feature is the redesigned camera module, a horizontal, pill-shaped bar with rounded corners that stretches across the phone’s back. This is a significant change from Apple’s traditional square camera bump or the vertical alignment seen on recent models like the iPhone 16.
This design shift aligns with earlier reports. A last year MacRumors article mentioned that the iPhone 17 Air and Pro models would adopt a rectangular camera bar, while the standard iPhone 17 would keep the iPhone 16’s vertical camera setup. Additionally, a CNET rumor roundup from April 2025 cited leaks suggesting a pill-shaped camera bar inspired by Google’s Pixel 9.
The iPhone 17 Air’s camera bar appears slimmer, with a single lens on the left, matching reports that the Air model will feature a single 48-megapixel rear camera.
A Pixel-Inspired Design?
The horizontal camera bar immediately draws comparisons to Google’s Pixel series, particularly the Pixel 6, which introduced its iconic camera bar in 2021. The iPhone 17 Air’s design, as shared by Apple Hub, feels like a nod to this approach, blending Apple’s minimalist style with a bolder, more unified look across the phone’s back.
This resemblance has sparked discussions about Apple’s design direction. Some fans worry that Apple, once a pioneer in mobile design, might be borrowing too heavily from competitors.
The iPhone 17 Air’s rumored design, while sleek, risks fueling this narrative by echoing Google’s Pixel aesthetic rather than creating a distinctly Apple identity.
What This Means for Apple’s Design Legacy
Apple has long been celebrated as a design innovator, setting trends with iconic products like the original iPhone and its minimalist aesthetic. However, the iPhone 17 Air’s design suggests a potential shift in approach. While it incorporates elements reminiscent of Google’s Pixel series, Apple isn’t entirely abandoning its roots.
Meanwhile, the Pro models are rumored to sport a half-glass, half-aluminum exterior for better durability, with a larger camera bar to accommodate their three-lens system, according to CNET’s 2025 rumor roundup. These updates show Apple balancing innovation with its signature style, even as it experiments with new design elements.
As we await Apple’s official unveiling, likely in September 2025, the conversation around the iPhone 17 Air’s design will continue to grow. Will Apple fans embrace this Pixel-inspired look, or will they push for something more uniquely Apple? One thing is certain: with every leak, anticipation for the iPhone 17 builds, and Apple’s next move will be closely watched.
