iPhone 17 Pro Max Design Leak: A New Pixel-Inspired Evolution? iPhone 17 2025
Recent leaks have sparked excitement in the tech world as images of a metallic plate, rumored to be part of the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro Max, have surfaced online. These leaks suggest that Apple is moving towards a Pixel-inspired design for its Pro models, as well as introducing a fresh approach for the iPhone 17 Air. While the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are expected to retain their familiar camera layout, it appears that the modules may now be housed within a newly designed tray alongside the flash, microphone, and LiDAR sensor on the right side.
Leaked Image and Its Implications
According to multiple sources, this newly surfaced metal plate could be a definitive indication of the final iPhone 17 Pro Max design. Prominent leaker Majin Bu, one of the first to report on this new design, shared an image of the metallic part, hinting that it belongs to Apple’s upcoming flagship model.
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iPhone 17 Pro Max Leaked Metal Chassis Hints at Bold Changes
What Does the Metal Plate Reveal?
- The cavities in the leaked part suggest designated spaces for key components, including the camera array and the MagSafe coil for wireless charging.
- Reports from MacRumors claim the image was taken inside an assembly line and features CNC-machined aluminum or titanium components. These materials are used for Apple’s premium chassis construction.
- CNC machining means that these parts are ready for further processing, such as additional milling or applying protective coatings.
Conflicting Theories: iPhone Components or Case Molds?
While some sources believe this leak represents the structural components of the iPhone 17 Pro Max, AppleInsider presents an alternative viewpoint. According to their analysis:
- The plates might not be iPhone components but rather molds for case production.
- The protruding edges around the cutouts do not align with Apple’s traditional sleek design, leading some to believe they are case molds rather than actual iPhone parts.
iPhone 17 Air: we finally know how thick its ‘camera bar’
Renowned tipster IceUniverse has shared an interesting update about the iPhone 17 Air’s thickness. Previously rumored to be Apple’s thinnest iPhone ever, the iPhone 17 Air was said to measure just 5.5mm at its slimmest point. Now, IceUniverse has revealed details about its thickest part as well.
Apple’s iPhone 17 Air is shaping up to be a true engineering feat, aiming to be the slimmest iPhone in history. Recent leaks confirm that, without the camera bump, the device could measure just 5.5mm, which is incredibly thin. If this turns out to be accurate, the iPhone 17 Air would be even slimmer than its rumored competitor, the Galaxy S25 Edge, which is expected to be 6.4mm thick.
With Apple prioritizing ultra-slim design, the iPhone 17 Air is set to redefine expectations for sleek, stylish smartphones.
There are also whispers that the iPhone 17 Air could be even thinner than expected, possibly measuring just 5.44mm.
However, a major design shift might be on the horizon—one that some fans (myself included) might struggle to embrace. Apple could introduce a Pixel-style camera bar to house the rear cameras on the iPhone 17 Air. Given its ultra-slim profile, IceUniverse now claims to know just how thick the phone will be overall.
If true, this design choice would mark a significant departure from Apple’s usual approach, sparking plenty of debate among fans and tech enthusiasts alike.
Counterarguments and Possible Explanations
Despite skepticism, there is a possibility that Apple may use post-processing techniques to refine these parts. The extruded elements could be a temporary part of the manufacturing process, later removed to achieve a seamless final look.
However, another consideration is Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max manufacturing strategy, which relied on partial plates instead of full-body frames. This discrepancy raises questions about whether the leaked image truly represents iPhone 17 Pro Max chassis parts.
What This Means for the iPhone 17 Series
Regardless of whether these are actual iPhone components or case molds, one thing is certain:
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is set to introduce a redesigned back panel, reinforcing rumors of a Pixel-inspired aesthetic.
If the leaks hold true, this design shift could bring several benefits, including:
- A more uniform camera layout for improved aesthetics and stability.
- Enhanced durability with an aluminum or titanium build.
- Potentially new manufacturing techniques that could optimize structural integrity.
With anticipation building for Apple’s next-generation iPhones, these leaks add more weight to the speculation that big design changes are coming in 2025.
Stay tuned as we continue to uncover more about what could be Apple’s boldest iPhone redesign yet.
