Rumors surrounding the highly anticipated iPhone 17 Pro have been swirling for months, with speculation ranging from its impressive camera features to its potential price tag. However, the latest leak has left some fans scratching their heads – the iPhone 17 Pro appears to be sporting a decidedly chunky design. As we inch closer to the official reveal, the question on everyone’s mind is: will this rugged new look be enough to sway consumers away from the sleeker iPhone 17 Air?
Design and Leaks

We’re still months away from the likely September launch of the iPhone 17 series, but we’ve already seen many images purported to show dummy units of these phones, giving us a good idea of their possible designs.
The latest such images have been shared by leaker Majin Bu, who’s posted images said to show an iPhone 17 Air dummy unit and an iPhone 17 Pro one. They don’t really show us anything that earlier leaks haven’t already, but you can see that the iPhone 17 Air looks quite sleek, while the iPhone 17 Pro has a huge camera bump, and looks like it might be larger than the iPhone 16 Pro, which it’s shown next to in one image.

The Latest Leak: iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Air Dummy Units Revealed
As ever, we’d take these images with a pinch of salt, as while these dummy units could be based on official information there’s no guarantee of that. However, they do match up with previous leaks, and, going by most of the leaks we’ve seen so far, the iPhone 17 Air arguably looks more visually appealing than the Pro.
A Chunky Design: The iPhone 17 Pro’s Large Camera Bump and Potential Size Increase
The iPhone 17 Pro has a huge camera bump, and looks like it might be larger than the iPhone 16 Pro, which it’s shown next to in one image. This larger size and chunky design might be a turn-off for some users who value aesthetics in their smartphone.
Sleek and Stylish: The iPhone 17 Air’s Visually Appealing Design
In contrast, the iPhone 17 Air looks sleek and stylish, with a more streamlined design that might appeal to users who prioritize looks in their smartphone.
Sales Predictions and Speculations
According to Apple watcher Mark Gurman in his latest newsletter for Bloomberg, the iPhone 17 Air is unlikely to “set any sales records”. That doesn’t mean it will be a failure – Gurman predicts that it will outsell Apple’s Plus and mini models, but he expects the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will prove the most popular.
This isn’t particularly surprising though. Apple’s Pro handsets tend to outsell the other iPhone models, and while the iPhone 17 Air may well be the most stylish of the iPhone 17 series, it will probably be far from the best when it comes to specs.
Leaks have suggested that the iPhone 17 Air will have just one rear camera, for example, and there are also concerns over how good its battery life will be, given the likely very limited space for a battery.
Coupled with a probably fairly high price, the iPhone 17 Air could be a tough sell for anyone who cares about specs as much as design. We probably won’t find out exactly how capable or popular the iPhone 17 Air is until September; but, given how extensively it and the other iPhone 17 models have already leaked, we’d expect to learn lots more unofficially in the meantime.
Not a Sales Record-Breaker: The iPhone 17 Air’s Limited Specs and High Price
Photos of iPhone 17 Air and iPhone 17 Pro dummy units have leaked, giving us a good idea of their possible designs. The latest such images have been shared by leaker Majin Bu, who’s posted images said to show an iPhone 17 Air dummy unit and an iPhone 17 Pro one. They don’t really show us anything that earlier leaks haven’t already, but you can see that the iPhone 17 Air looks quite sleek, while the iPhone 17 Pro has a huge camera bump, and looks like it might be larger than the iPhone 16 Pro, which it’s shown next to in one image.
As ever, we’d take these images with a pinch of salt, as while these dummy units could be based on official information there’s no guarantee of that. However, they do match up with previous leaks, and, going by most of the leaks we’ve seen so far, the iPhone 17 Air arguably looks more visually appealing than the Pro. But that might not translate into better sales.
iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro in comparison
The Pro Models’ Dominance: Why the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max Will Likely Outsell the Air
According to Apple watcher Mark Gurman in his latest newsletter for Unionjournalism, the iPhone 17 Air is unlikely to “set any sales records”. That doesn’t mean it will be a failure – Gurman predicts that it will outsell Apple’s Plus and mini models, but he expects the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will prove the most popular. That’s not particularly surprising though. Apple’s Pro handsets tend to outsell the other iPhone models, and while the iPhone 17 Air may well be the most stylish of the iPhone 17 series, it will probably be far from the best when it comes to specs.
Leaks have suggested that the iPhone 17 Air will have just one rear camera, for example, and there are also concerns over how good its battery life will be, given the likely very limited space for a battery. Coupled with a probably fairly high price, the iPhone 17 Air could be a tough sell for anyone who cares about specs as much as design.
The Impact of Design on Sales: Will Style Trump Substance for iPhone Buyers?
We probably won’t find out exactly how capable or popular the iPhone 17 Air is until September; but, given how extensively it and the other iPhone 17 models have already leaked, we’d expect to learn lots more unofficially in the meantime.
The trade-off between design and specs is a crucial consideration for iPhone buyers. Will they prioritize a sleeker, more visually appealing design over the raw power and capabilities of the Pro models? Only time will tell.
The Trade-Off Between Design and Specs: What iPhone Buyers Need to Consider
When it comes to the iPhone 17 series, buyers will need to weigh up the pros and cons of each model. The iPhone 17 Air may look sleek and stylish, but it may not have the same level of performance or features as the Pro models.
For many buyers, the extra cost of the Pro models may be worth it for the improved specs and features. However, for others, the iPhone 17 Air may be a more affordable option that still offers many of the same features and capabilities.
The Importance of Battery Life and Camera Quality for iPhone Users
Battery life and camera quality are two key areas where the iPhone 17 Air may fall short of the Pro models. With a likely very limited space for a battery, the iPhone 17 Air may struggle to match the battery life of the Pro models. Similarly, its single rear camera may not be able to keep up with the dual or triple camera setups of the Pro models.
For iPhone users who rely heavily on their device for tasks such as photography or gaming, these limitations may be a major drawback. However, for casual users who primarily use their phone for social media, email, and messaging, the iPhone 17 Air may be a more than adequate option.
What the Leaks Mean for Apple’s iPhone Strategy and Future Designs
The leaks so far suggest that Apple is sticking to its usual strategy of offering a range of iPhone models at different price points. The iPhone 17 Air will likely be positioned as a mid-range option, while the Pro models will be marketed as premium devices with high-end specs and features.
However, the leaks also suggest that Apple may be rethinking its design strategy. The iPhone 17 Pro, with its large camera bump, may be a sign of things to come. As Apple looks to the future, it may be exploring new design directions that prioritize functionality over aesthetics.
Conclusion
In the latest leak, the iPhone 17 Pro has been revealed to have a chunkier design, sparking debate about its potential success in the market. Our article examined the implications of this design choice, comparing it to the sleek iPhone 17 Air. The key takeaway is that aesthetics alone may not be the deciding factor for consumers, as the iPhone 17 Pro’s larger size could actually be a selling point for those seeking a more substantial device.
The significance of this topic lies in its potential to challenge the conventional wisdom that sleek designs are always more desirable. As the tech industry continues to evolve, consumers are increasingly seeking devices that cater to their individual needs and preferences. The iPhone 17 Pro’s chunky design may be a bold move by Apple, but it could also pay off in terms of customer loyalty and satisfaction. Furthermore, this trend could pave the way for other manufacturers to experiment with design choices that prioritize functionality and user experience over traditional notions of style.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that the iPhone 17 Pro’s design will be a defining characteristic of the device. Whether or not it is a commercial success remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: it will spark a new wave of innovation in the tech industry. The question is, will other manufacturers follow suit, or will Apple’s bold move be a solo experiment? One thing is for sure: the future of smartphones is about to get a whole lot more interesting.