Apple has a reputation for its minimalist, futuristic design language. Every iPhone release is highly anticipated. But in the case of the new iPhone 17 Pro, a new leak claims the truth could be quite different from what is being discussed online.
A new report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has shown that the iPhone 17 Pro might not be the revolutionary redesign some leakers have suggested. Actually, as per Gurman’s latest Power On newsletter, Apple is gearing up for a more understated evolution instead of a dramatic visual departure.
Familiar From the Front
Gurman observes that the iPhone 17 Pro will appear quite similar to its predecessor from the front. Contrary to rumors that anticipated a new completely different face for the phone, Apple seems to be going with what has proven to work. Flat-edged design, ushered with the iPhone 12 and perfected ever since, is not going anywhere just yet.
He notes that the next Pro model will be recognizable from the first moment. The contrast will be obvious only to the most detailed analysts. That’s not to say Apple is doing nothing at all—it just won’t be as radical as some of those mockups depict.
A Larger Transformation on the Rear
The backside is where Apple is shaking things up. While the triple-camera array remains intact—unchanged in configuration since the iPhone 11 Pro—the enclosure for those lenses will shift.
According to what Gurman depicts, the new camera bump will be mounted on a panel that runs across the top of the rear of the phone. It’s a sleeker, more streamlined design. But it doesn’t match the swoopy two-tone images that are being shared online.
Unlike popular renders, which depict a dramatic difference in color between the camera block and the rest of the phone, Gurman asserts that’s not going down. The whole back, including the new camera plate, will be the same color. That’s to say, the iPhone 17 Pro will have a sleeker, more uniform look—much closer to Apple’s minimalistic design ethic.
No Two-Tone Drama
The color gossip was one of the most thrilling aspects of the alleged leaks. A two-tone iPhone would have been a dramatic change in looks. But it seems those aspirations can be put on hold—at least for now.
As per Gurman, Apple isn’t adopting a two-tone style for the iPhone 17 Pro. Rather, the company is going to stick with a more unified finish. The huge black camera island on a white or silver body viewed in leaked renders won’t make it to the actual product.
This fits Apple’s background. The corporation does not take wild design chances without reason. Even the daring changes tend to keep the Apple character—lean, clean, and cohesive.
Thinner Models, But Not Wildly Different
One of the most eagerly awaited updates for the iPhone 17 series is the launch of a thinner model, potentially named the iPhone 17 Air. Although this may be a more significant change, the iPhone 17 Pro will not necessarily go down that route in thickness or silhouette.
Yes, it’ll probably be more polished. Yes, the materials could alter. But Gurman indicates the updates are incremental, not transformative.
So while everyone is expecting a whole new look, Apple appears to be saving the grand surprise for its 20th anniversary iPhone in 2027.
Also read: OpenAI’s ChatGPT Image Generator Sparks Ethical Debate: Ghibli Trend Starts Copyright Controversy
Final Thoughts
Despite the speculation and eye-catching renders, the iPhone 17 Pro will likely deliver a design that’s more refined than radical. Mark Gurman’s insights suggest that Apple is saving its biggest design shake-up for another year. For now, users can expect a cleaner camera layout, consistent coloring, and Apple’s signature sleekness.
The hype may not match the real thing—but that doesn’t mean the iPhone 17 Pro won’t impress. After all, Apple’s power lies in making the familiar feel fresh.
And with that, we’ll be watching closely to see how the final iPhone 17 Pro shapes up later this year.
