Apple is set to redesign its camera bar for the first time since the iPhone 11 Pro, which was launched in September 2019. The upcoming change, though surprising to some, is expected to make the camera bar longer and larger.
Sonny Dickson has shared a real-world image of two clear cases, reportedly for the iPhone 17 Pro series, expected to launch later this year. The cases reveal the significant expansion of the rear camera bump, which appears to stretch across the entire width of the phone. This marks a dramatic shift from the design seen in previous models.
The new camera bar design, believed to be similar to that of Google’s Pixel phones, is anticipated to appear on three iPhone models in September: the iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and the rumoured, slimmer iPhone 17 Air.
A popular theory circulating on social media, shared by @mia_kacurage, suggests the larger camera bar may be necessary to house a more advanced telephoto lens. This could explain why the bump is spreading out so significantly.
However, the photos of the iPhone 17 Pro cases shared by Dickson raise concerns about practical use. With the camera bump growing larger, the case barely covers the rear of the phone, leaving nearly a third of the surface exposed. At this rate, users may find themselves needing a protective case for their case, as the expanded camera bar risks extending into MagSafe charging territory.
This redesign, while potentially offering better camera features, also highlights new challenges for iPhone users in terms of protection and usability.
Read next: Apple iPhone 17 Air: How thin is it?
