“In the realm of smartphone design, the mantra has long been ‘thinner is better.’ But what if we told you that the latest leak of the iPhone 17 Pro suggests Apple may be about to turn that notion on its head? Rumors are swirling that the new flagship device is sporting a chunkier physique, and yet, despite this perceived aesthetic drawback, it could still outsell its sleeker counterpart, the iPhone 17 Air. It’s a paradox that has left many of us scratching our heads, wondering what’s driving this design direction and whether consumers will truly buy into it. In this article, we’ll dig into the details of the leak and explore the possible reasons behind Apple’s bold move, as well as what it might mean for the future of smartphone design.”
Leaked iPhone 17 Designs: A Closer Look
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. 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.

The Latest Leak: iPhone 17 Air and iPhone 17 Pro Dummy Units
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. The sleek design of the iPhone 17 Air is likely to appeal to those who value aesthetics, but will it be enough to drive sales?

Sales Predictions: Substance Over Style
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.

Design Comparisons: iPhone 17 Pro’s Chunky Build vs iPhone 17 Air’s Sleek Design
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 iPhone 17 Pro, on the other hand, is expected to be a powerhouse with advanced specs and features, which may be more appealing to those who prioritize substance over style.
Only time will tell how the iPhone 17 Air and iPhone 17 Pro will fare in terms of sales, but one thing is certain – the competition between these two devices will be fierce. As we get closer to the launch date, Unionjournalism will continue to bring you the latest updates, insights, and analysis on the iPhone 17 series.
The iPhone 17 Air’s Sales Prospects: Not Expected to Set Records

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.

Why the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max Will Likely Outsell the Air Model
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. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors
Specs and Features: The iPhone 17 Air’s Weaknesses
Leaked images of iPhone 17 Air and iPhone 17 Pro dummy units have shown that the iPhone 17 Pro looks large and chunky, despite having a sleeker design, the iPhone 17 Air is predicted to not sell as well. 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.
Camera Capabilities: One Rear Camera vs the Pro’s Advanced Setup
The iPhone 17 Air will likely have a single rear camera, which could be a major drawback for many users. The iPhone 17 Pro, on the other hand, is expected to have a more advanced camera setup, which could give it an edge over the Air model.
Battery Life Concerns: Limited Space for a Battery in the iPhone 17 Air
With a likely very limited space for a battery, the iPhone 17 Air could struggle with battery life, which could be a major turn-off for users who rely heavily on their device’s battery.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the latest leak of the iPhone 17 Pro has sparked a heated debate among tech enthusiasts, with many questioning the design choices of the upcoming device. The leak suggests that the iPhone 17 Pro will have a chunkier design compared to its sleeker counterpart, the iPhone 17 Air. Despite this, the article argues that the iPhone 17 Pro could still outsell the iPhone 17 Air due to its expected improved camera capabilities and faster processor.
The significance of this topic lies in the fact that it highlights the evolving design preferences of consumers. As technology continues to advance, consumers are becoming increasingly demanding when it comes to aesthetics. The success of the iPhone 17 Pro will depend on its ability to balance form and function, meeting the expectations of consumers who value both style and substance.
Looking ahead, the design of the iPhone 17 Pro will set the tone for future iPhone releases. If the device is able to combine its improved features with a design that resonates with consumers, it could signal a new era for Apple’s design language. Conversely, if the device fails to impress, it could indicate a growing disconnect between Apple’s design priorities and consumer preferences. As the tech giant continues to push the boundaries of innovation, it will be fascinating to see how it navigates the ever-changing landscape of consumer expectations.