According to recent leaks, Apple is expected to adopt a new camera system design for some models in the upcoming iPhone 17 lineup. Today, new CAD images have emerged, further confirming this information.

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Concept iPhone 17 Pro Max. Photo: Asher Dipprey

In a Twitter post, source Sonny Dickson shared the images with the comment: "Everyone is sharing the same CAD images of the iPhone 17, so I wanted to share what I saw too."

The first images are believed to show the design of the iPhone 17 Air – a completely new, ultra-thin, lighter, and slimmer iPhone model, expected to replace the Plus version in Apple's product line.

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The image shows the design of the iPhone 17 Air. Photo: Sonny Dickson

Consistent with previous rumors and CAD images, this render shows Apple will be adopting a horizontal camera module that extends vertically along the top of the device's back.

With limited internal space due to its thinner design, the iPhone 17 Air is rumored to have only a single rear camera.

If that's the case, the device won't be able to shoot space videos or take space photos unless Apple has new technology to support this feature. According to previous reports, it will use the same 48MP wide-angle sensor as the iPhone 16 models.

At least some iPhone 17 models will have a smoother transition between the camera bezel and the back panel, thanks to Apple's new glass-and-metal hybrid material process.

The recessed design extending from the camera module down to the frame, as shown in the CAD images, seems to support this information.

Next, the images below are of the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. These high-end iPhone models feature the most significant design changes.

Apple's new iPhone Pro models are expected to ditch the familiar square camera module in favor of an aluminum camera bar that runs across the entire width of the device.

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The image shows the design of the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Photo: Sonny Dickson

The triangular triple-camera setup remains in its left corner, while the flash, LiDAR sensor, and microphone have been moved to the right side of the module, in a vertical layout. It remains unclear whether Apple adopted this design for aesthetic or functional reasons.

The final images of the standard iPhone 17 model reveal a more familiar design for users. Apple appears to have retained the iPhone 16's camera system on the base model, which could be good news for those who dislike the new horizontal camera design.

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The image shows the design of the standard iPhone 17. Photo: Sonny Dickson

The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max not only boast a new design, but according to analyst Jeff Pu, both will feature 12GB of RAM, giving them an edge over other models in the lineup in terms of AI capabilities.

Jeff Pu stated in the report: "The iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max are expected to switch to 12GB of LPDDR5." This is the third time Jeff Pu has predicted an increase in memory on Apple's upcoming high-end devices.

Previously, in May and October 2024, Mr. Pu affirmed this, even when expert Ming-Chi Kuo suggested that only the iPhone 17 Pro Max model would have its RAM increased.

Additionally, the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are rumored to have an aluminum frame instead of titanium, a more compact Dynamic Island thanks to Apple's application of metallized technology to the Face ID system, an Apple-designed Wi-Fi 7 chip, and many other improvements.

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CAD renderings of the iPhone 17 series were shared by leaker Majin Bu on social media platform X. Photo: Majin Bu

The iPhone 17 series is expected to launch around mid-September, following Apple's usual schedule. The 2025 iPhone models are expected to include: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air.

Watch the iPhone 17 Pro Max sample video (Source: Asher Dipprey):

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Further confirmation of a super 'hot' iPhone 17 Pro upgrade : The latest leaked news about the iPhone 17 Pro will certainly excite those eagerly awaiting Apple's flagship.