A render of what the iPhone 17 Pro could look like – Image Credit: AppleInsider
Apple’s new camera bump designs for the iPhone 17 have surfaced once again, this time in the form of 3D-printed models showcased in a video that offers a hint of what the fall 2025 flagship may feel like in the hand.
Since the start of 2025, leakers have been claiming that Apple will be making major changes to the camera bump for the iPhone 17 generation. Over the space of a few weeks, leakers have shared renders of supposed designs for the inbound models, with radical alterations made to the backs of the models.
Inevitably, someone has used these leaks to create physical 3D representations of the claims. In a video by iDeviceHelp on YouTube, the new iPhone 17 lineup’s rumored designs have been 3D printed and checked out.
While seemingly impressive at first glance, the reality of the models is less so. For a start, the models are based on details provided by serial leaker Majin Bu, which has already been previously-reported at length, meaning there’s not really anything new to see.
What the 3D prints do accomplish is that they give an idea of how the iPhone 17 range could actually feel when held in hands, rather than as a render or a technical drawing.
The video includes models for the iPhone 17, the iPhone 17 Air, and the iPhone 17 Pro. Of the three, the Air and Pro are the versions with material changes to the design, if the rumors are true.
The iPhone 17 Pro is shown with the wide bump going across the width of the device. Like in the renders, the cameras are in the regular triangular formation on the left-hand side, with the flash and LiDAR on the right.
The iPhone 17 Air is shown with an equally wide bump, but one that is narrower and with a single camera to the side.
Despite potential variances that happen when someone 3D prints a design, the video talks about how the iPhone 17 will be “razor thin.” The prints are measured at 0.30 inches thick while the iPhone 16 is 0.31 inches and the iPhone 16 Pro is 0.32 inches.
Other than the bumps and the thickness, the models offer no other real changes in design. The buttons are placed in the normal locations, and a USB-C port is placed in the base.
Model mayhem
Claims about a major redesign to the iPhone 17 generation have been around for quite some time, with the first real attempts at a bump leak coming through on December 12. This insisted that a bar layout would be on the way, with the three Pro model cameras spread in a line, but that was quickly dismissed as being impractical.
By January, it had evolved into images allegedly showing the back of an iPhone with the bar design under sealed plastic. However even that could not be confirmed as genuine thanks to generative AI.
Jon Prosser joined the action with his own render of the iPhone 17 Pro, released on February 14 with a lighter set of renders out a few days later.
Initial CAD drawings were leaked by Majin Bu on February 24, with Sonny Dickson offering his own on February 28.
AppleInsider reminds readers that renders and CAD drawing leaks tend to stem from accessory producers at this stage of production, and are often created based on the rumor mill’s claims and speculation rather than what Apple has actually designed. There is no guarantee that the renders, drawings, or leaks are actually accurate, and no-one outside of Apple and its supply chain will truly know what’s on the way until Apple actually releases the iPhone to the public.
