I thought the new the iPhone 17 Pro design was dumb — and now I hope the renders are real
I’ll make no secret of the fact that I, like others here at Digitpatrox, wasn’t entirely sold on the rumored redesign for the iPhone 17 Pro series. However, after seeing so many leaks and rumors about the new look, I’ve found my mind has started to change.
For those that don’t know, all the recent rumors about the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max seem to agree that Apple is planning to have the new camera block take up the entire top third of the back of the phone. This is a marked difference from the usual design that we’ve seen on phones like the iPhone 16 Pro, which has the cameras sequestered into the corner.
When I first saw this new design, I wasn’t a fan, I thought it looked strange and off-putting. However, over time, the new look has grown on me to the point where I would honestly consider getting the iPhone 17 Pro myself.
There’s something to be said for the new look
I think the biggest reason that I’ve come around to the new design is just that — it’s new. See, the issue I’ve had with a lot of phones recently is that they’re all starting to look the same. For instance, I recently reviewed the OnePlus Nord 5, which dropped the intriguing all-metal design we saw with the OnePlus Nord 4, for something that just looks like any other Android phone.
Now, that isn’t to say any of these phones are bad, but the problem is that none of them really stand out. It’s gotten to the point where I’ve started to struggle to tell the difference between a lot of phones at a glance. That’s where this new look could help the new iPhone to stand apart from some of the best phones on the market.
The new look wouldn’t just help the iPhone 17 Pro series stand out the competition, as it would also help differentiate the iPhone 17 series. It could arguably help to add another reason to buy a Pro model beyond just the beefier specs.
A bold new color
Apple is said to be experimenting with a new color option for the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Several leaks point to a new orange option, which would be pretty bold for the Pro lineup.
This is the closest photo of the whole Internet to the real iPhone 17 Pro Max. They are engineering machine models. This time there is no black version, only this dark blue. pic.twitter.com/OKzHLuItC5September 7, 2025
On top of that, the new design could be two-tone, with the bottom half having a slightly lighter shade of glass. This lower area would presumably be used for reverse wireless charging. Yup, you may be able to finally charge your AirPods case right on top of your iPhone’s backside.
Durability is a concern that needs to be addressed
There is one major concern I have when it comes to the iPhone 17 Pro’s redesign: durability. We’ve seen renders where the glass is more reflective, essentially resembling the screen of an iPhone when it’s turned off. This is a more preferable look, but it comes with the downside of being more vulnerable to scratches.
Now, if the iPhone 17 Pro series goes down this route, then I’d expect the camera block to use the same Corning Gorilla Glass as other iPhones. While that does mean some enhanced durability, it isn’t indestructible and can be scratched. The last thing I’d want for my new iPhone is to see my shiny new camera block marred by scratches and cracks after only a few months of use.
This could, of course, be avoided by having a case, but then that choice does come with its own glaring issues. Firstly, putting a case over the new camera block would ruin the point of having the new design in the first place. Secondly, most of the leaked cases we’ve seen seemingly don’t cover the camera section at all. If that’s accurate, then the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are at risk of being scratched.
I’m still looking forward to the Apple Event
At the end of the day, while I still have concerns over durability, I have to say that the leaked iPhone 17 Pro designs have grown on me. Although it has to be said that a leak isn’t necessarily proof, it’s good to know that Apple might release something that looks completely different.
We’ll only really know for sure when we officially see the devices during the Apple event. On that note, we have an Apple iPhone 17 Event live Blog to help you follow the event as it happens. So you’ll be able to see our reactions to the new range of iPhones as they’re announced, for better or for worse.
Until then, let me know what you think about the possible new design for the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Do you still think it looks a bit silly, or do you like it?