As the debate continues about maintaining design in camera island “stovetop“ or a possible move to a horizontal layout inspired by Pixels, a new rumor suggests a front design change for the iPhone 17 Pro.
A smaller Dynamic Island
In 2022, the iPhone 14 Pro introduced the Dynamic Islandreplacing the classic notch. However, no major changes have been made since. According to a leak from Chinese media My Driversthis could change this year with a Dynamic Island plus petite on the iPhone 17 Pro.
The analyst Jeff Pu had already mentioned this modification in May, indicating that Apple would use a new technology, the metalensesto reduce the size of the Dynamic Island. Although Apple does not yet plan to move the Face ID system behind the screen, these metalenses would make it possible to reduce module width.
Metalenses: a technological advance
Unlike traditional lenses used today, metalenses are optical lenses that use nanostructured materials instead of surface curvature to manipulate light. They are flat, light and allow free up spacethus making the devices more compact.
A cleaner design
The leak includes a conceptual image showing what the smaller Dynamic Island could look like. In addition, the iPhone 17 Pro would display even thinner edgesbringing Apple closer to its goal of a iPhone all glass. However, the latter is not expected immediately.
According to Jeff Pu, only the version iPhone 17 Pro Max would benefit from metalens technology this year, leaving the other three models with a Dynamic Island of similar size to that of current generations.
Rumors about the rear design
At the same time, contradictory leaks are circulating on the possible adoption of a horizontal arrangement of rear cameras for new iPhones. Whatever the outcome, it appears Apple is actively exploring ways to refresh the design of its devices. If the rumors are confirmed, l’iPhone 17 Pro could mark an important step in the evolution of iPhone design.
