From sky blue Pros to ultra-thin Air: iPhone 17 leaks show Apple’s boldest redesign in years

Apple is preparing to unveil its iPhone 17 series in September and already its leaks have started to flood the news ecosystem. These leaks, if true, offers a great look at what could be the most transformative iPhone lineup in years. From an exclusive new colour to a dramatically thinner ‘Air’ model and significant hardware upgrades, the upcoming devices promise to redefine Apple’s smartphone strategy.

A Sky Blue Exclusive for the iPhone 17 Pro

One of the most intriguing revelations comes from trusted tipster, Majin Bu, who claims Apple is developing a brand-new ‘sky blue’ colour exclusively for the iPhone 17 Pro. Described as a ‘soft, elegant blue,’ it is reported that this colour shift resembles the one seen on the latest version of MacBook Air M4. Moreover, if this report is true, then it would mark the first major colour shift for Apple’s Pro lineup since 2021.

Beyond aesthetics, the iPhone 17 Pro is also rumoured to feature a redesigned rear panel combining aluminium and glass. The upper half will reportedly house an enlarged camera module within an aluminium frame, while the lower portion retains a glass finish. This structural change could improve durability while maintaining wireless charging capabilities.

Power and Performance Upgrades

As per news reports, under the hood, the iPhone 17 Pro is expected to debut Apple’s next-generation A19 Pro chipset, paired with a substantial RAM boost to 12GB—up from the iPhone 16 Pro’s 8GB. The display could also grow to reach 6.3 inches.

Camera improvements appear significant, with leaks suggesting a 48MP ultra-wide lens and a 48MP 5x tetraprism telephoto sensor, replacing the 12MP shooter in the iPhone 16 Pro. A LiDAR scanner and a 24MP front-facing camera round out the imaging upgrades. Additionally, the Pro models may finally see faster 35W wired charging and Apple’s long-rumoured in-house Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modems.

The iPhone 17 Air: A Game-Changer?

Perhaps the most surprising addition to the lineup is the iPhone 17 Air, positioned as a sleek, mid-range alternative. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple hopes this model will succeed where the iPhone mini and Plus failed, offering a thinner, lighter design at a more accessible price point.

Leaked dummy units from reliable source Sonny Dickson showcase just how slim the Air variant will be—noticeably thinner than its siblings. Intriguingly, the dummy lacks a visible SIM tray, sparking speculation that it could be the first eSIM-only iPhone sold outside the U.S. This would mark a major shift in Apple’s global strategy, as current eSIM restrictions limit such models to the American market.

However, concerns linger about potential compromises. The Air’s sparse speaker grille suggests possible audio downgrades, and rumors indicate it may lack some premium features found in the Pro models. Still, if Apple can balance affordability with a compelling design, the Air could carve out a unique niche.

Global Variations and the Future of eSIM

Leaked images also confirm that the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will retain physical SIM trays for international markets, debunking hopes of a worldwide eSIM transition. This aligns with current realities, as many carriers outside the U.S. still lack robust eSIM support.

Meanwhile, the standard iPhone 17 appears largely unchanged in design, though it will inherit the Camera Control button introduced in the iPhone 16 series. Curiously, earlier reports suggested the Air might omit this feature, but dummy units show all four models equipped with it.

iOS 19 and Beyond

However, what looks to be certain is that all iPhone 17 models will come equipped with iOS 19, and is set to debut at WWDC 2025 in June. While software details remain scarce, Apple is expected to emphasize AI enhancements and deeper ecosystem integration.

A Pivotal Year for iPhone

With the iPhone 17 series, Apple seems poised to address multiple fronts: premium buyers get exclusive colours and cutting-edge hardware, while the Air model could attract a new audience seeking portability without the Pro price tag. The potential global rollout of eSIM in the Air also hints at Apple’s long-term vision for a SIM-free future.

As always, Apple’s official reveal will have the final say—but if these leaks hold true, the iPhone 17 lineup could be one of the most exciting in recent memory.