A fresh batch of leaks has given us a preview of what the new iPhone 17 Air could look like — and it’s awfully reminiscent of the Google Pixel.
The new addition to Apple’s phone lineup, which has been rumored to replace the Plus model, will sport a Pixel-like “camera bar,” according to renders put together by Front Page Tech’s Jon Prosser who claims to have seen a finalized version of the new design.
Now, I have to warn you that this isn’t a confirmed leak, but Prosser has been right about similar stuff in the past. In fact, he was the first to suggest the “Air” moniker which Bloomberg’s ever-reliable Mark Gurman later seconded.
The “Air” label makes sense, given that the device is expected to arrive in a slimmer form factor than its predecessors.
You can catch a peek at the renders around the four-and-a-half minute mark:
The so-called “camera bar” is a dead ringer for the Google Pixel’s camera visor, which the phone has donned since at least its sixth generation. Though the iPhone’s take on it is more reminiscent of the ninth-gen Pixel.
Funny how that works, huh?
For years, Apple has been setting the standards for the dominant design language in the phone market, with rivals quickly following suit. While iPhones don’t always innovate first, they’re known to kick off trends.
To Google’s credit, the company has made a conscious effort to carve out its own look for the Pixel. Although the sixth-gen’s design — particularly the camera visor — was a little rough around the edges, the company really dialed in the look over the years, ultimately arriving at the much more elegant Pixel 9.
So there you have it: that’s the new Google Pix—I mean, iPhone 17 Air.
When Can We Expect The iPhone 17 Air?
The iPhone 17 Air is likely to make its debut at Apple’s customary spring event, alongside the new iPhone 17 lineup.
So you might have to stick it out until September to find out if the real thing will match the renders.
In the meantime, Apple is slated to drop its iPhone SE refresh this week — so stay tuned. You can peep more details about tomorrow’s launch event here.
