Renders of what the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max could look like: Render source – AppleInsider
New dummies practically demonstrate how the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will have a different rear casing, with a mix of metal and glass.
Multiple dummies representing designs in the iPhone 17 family of smartphones have surfaced in recent weeks, giving an idea of what to expect from the new models. However, while the bulk of the attention has been on the new camera bump designs, a new set offers an idea about the rest of the rear’s design.
New dummies shared by Sonny Dickson on Thursday via X shows a collection of eight dummies for the iPhone 17 collection. The set prominently shows off the variety of camera bumps that have appeared in previous image leaks and models.
However, as Dickson points out, there are elements on the Pro models that show “where the glass will change.” The leaker is referring to a rounded rectangle that surrounds most of the back section of the casing below the camera bump.
This section fully encompasses the MagSafe charging area, with Dickson’s note proposing that this element will be covered with glass. This makes sense as glass doesn’t interfere with MagSafe wireless charging, unlike metals like aluminum or titanium.
The inclusion of a large rectangular section for glass has previously surfaced in a Sonny Dickson leak. In February, CAD images shared by the leaker also depicted a rounded rectangular section, without discussing what that element was for at the time.
From all-glass to mixed backing
Dickson’s models and reference to glass changes may not make sense at first glance, since Apple has used glass backings for its iPhones for quite a few generations now. It does, however, make sense if you consider the possibility that the back will undergo a materials change, not just the use of a new camera bump design.
In November, a report claimed that Apple was considering a switch away from titanium for aluminum for the Pro models. As part of the same report, it is said that the back of the Pro models will use a “part-aluminum, part-glass design.”
The design would use a large rectangular camera bump made of aluminum instead of a glass version. The bottom half of the rear cover would still use glass, to enable wireless charging.
Dickson’s latest model release seems to follow this design aesthetic closely. It’s not hard to imagine the camera bump and the outer edges being made from a metal, while leaving a sizable glass window section below.
While there is no guarantee that the presented designs are genuine, Dickson does have a relatively good track record when it comes to discussing future iPhone models. Mockups shared of the iPhone 16 lineup in April 2024 correctly matched those of the released hardware months later.
