iPhone 17 Pro, Air leaks
Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro and Air may feature repositioned antennas around the camera module Duophenom : Pexels

As anticipation builds for Apple's iPhone 17 series, set for unveiling on 9 September 2025, leaks reveal a significant design change: repositioned antennas around the rear camera module for the iPhone 17 Pro, Pro Max, and potentially the new iPhone 17 Air.

This shift, inspired by the Apple Watch Ultra, aims to enhance 5G and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity by reducing interference from the phone's chassis.

With a redesigned camera island and possible price hikes, what could these changes mean for users?

Antenna Redesign for Better Connectivity

Leaked images shared by X user @MajinBuOfficial on 11 August 2025 show an iPhone 17 Pro dummy unit with antennas integrated around a horizontal camera bar, a departure from the current edge-placed antennas.

Apple aims to minimise signal shielding caused by metal frames, a common issue when holding phones. GSMArena reports that this design, seen in the Apple Watch Ultra, could ensure stable connections in crowded urban environments.

X user @shanghaidaily posted on 12 August 2025, 'New leak shows #iPhone17Pro redesign... could boost 5G, Wi-Fi & Bluetooth performance by reducing signal block when held.'

The move supports Wi-Fi 7 and Apple's custom Centauri 5G modem, promising faster speeds and lower latency, per The Verge. However, experts warn that real-world improvements may vary depending on network conditions.

Camera Island Overhaul and Design Shifts

The iPhone 17 Pro's redesigned camera island, stretching across the device's width, integrates the antennas while housing a 48 MP main, 48 MP ultra-wide, and 48 MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, according to specs-arena.com.

The iPhone 17 Air, replacing the Plus model, may adopt a similar antenna setup with a dual-camera system, per GSMArena. Leaks suggest an aluminium frame for the Pro models, moving away from titanium, and a centred Apple logo, sparking debate among fans.

X user @iPhone_News stated on 11 August 2025, 'iPhone 17 Pro Leak Reveals Alleged New 5G Antenna Design,' reflecting excitement online.

The Air's ultra-thin design, at 6.25mm, could face battery life trade-offs, potentially costing £960 ($1,287) for 256 GB, per PhoneArena.

Implications for Users and Industry

The antenna repositioning could set a new standard for smartphone connectivity, addressing user complaints about dropped signals in busy areas.

However, with production costs rising due to global trade tariffs, particularly in China, the iPhone 17 Pro may start at £774 ($1,049), a £50 increase from the iPhone 16 Pro, per PhoneArena.

The Air's premium pricing and slim profile may appeal to style-conscious buyers but raise concerns about durability.

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo notes that the vapor chamber cooling in Pro models could enhance gaming performance, potentially influencing competitors like Samsung to adopt similar antenna strategies.

As Apple pushes for 8K video recording and a 24 MP selfie camera, the iPhone 17 series aims to balance innovation with practicality, though its success hinges on tangible connectivity gains.

Public Reaction and Political Pressure

Public excitement for the iPhone 17 series is palpable, with tech enthusiasts flocking to social media to discuss the leaks.

As expected around this time, influencers are organising live-streamed unboxing events for 20 September 2025, coinciding with the expected market release.

Hashtags like #iPhone17Pro and #AppleLeaks are trending, amplifying calls for Apple to deliver on promised performance upgrades amidst rising costs.

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