A new leak suggests that Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 Air will feature a major design change—a central camera bar across the back. This move marks a break from Apple’s usual top-left lens layout, and the reaction so far is split.

iPhone 17 Air moves the camera to the center

Leaked images of a casing prototype show a horizontal camera bar in the middle of the phone’s rear panel. It appears to house a large single-lens system, possibly with a flash or sensor built in. The look is closer to something you’d see on a Pixel, not an iPhone.

Apple’s thinnest phone yet

Rumors suggest the iPhone 17 Air could measure just 5.5mm thick, making it the slimmest iPhone ever released. That level of thinness might come with trade-offs, such as a smaller battery or fewer physical components. Still, it signals Apple’s push toward lightweight design.

Mixed reactions to the redesign

Some fans are into the bold shift. Others say it looks off-balance or even clunky. Critics question whether the central bar could affect how the phone feels in-hand or how users hold it while taking photos. It’s a risk—and Apple knows it.

Key specs may include upgraded camera and chip

In addition to the redesign, the iPhone 17 Air is rumored to include a 6.6-inch OLED display, a new A19 chip, and up to 8GB of RAM. Leaks also point to a 48MP rear camera and a 24MP front-facing shooter—strong specs for a phone that’s not part of the Pro line.

iPhone 17 Air targets a new niche

With the Plus models fading in popularity, Apple seems to be carving out space for something slimmer and more modern. The Air branding suggests a lighter, more design-forward iPhone aimed at users who prioritize form as much as function.

Launch expected in September 2025

The iPhone 17 Air is expected to arrive alongside the rest of the iPhone 17 lineup in fall 2025. Pricing hasn’t been confirmed, but it’s likely to sit between the base and Pro models—bringing a new visual identity to the mid-tier iPhone category.