Glass and metal fusion: The new face of iPhone 17 Pro

Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 series is making waves with its latest design leaks, revealing a major shift from previous models. The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are set to feature a unique combination of glass and metal, a departure from the titanium frame used in the iPhone 16 Pro.

Tech insider Sonny Dickson recently unveiled prototypes of the iPhone 17 Pro, showing a marked change on the back panel. A distinct area marked below the camera cluster hints at the transition between glass and metal, suggesting a hybrid construction aimed at enhancing both durability and visual appeal.

According to leaked images from Fixed Focus Digital (China), the iPhone 17 Pro will integrate glass primarily around the Apple logo, seamlessly merging with a metal frame. This innovative approach balances strength and aesthetics, with the glass ensuring wireless charging compatibility while the aluminum frame reduces the risk of breakage compared to an all-glass design.

A new material philosophy for Apple’s flagship

The iPhone 17 series will reportedly abandon the titanium frames introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro and maintain a consistent use of aluminum across the lineup. The change is seen as a strategic move to enhance resilience while maintaining the signature Apple design.

In line with previous leaks, the latest images confirm that the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Air will feature a horizontally aligned camera cluster, an entirely new aesthetic for Apple. The smooth transition between the camera module and the back panel further highlights Apple’s improved material fusion process.

All models in the iPhone 17 lineup, including the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air, will support MagSafe, reinforcing Apple’s commitment to a wireless, accessory-friendly ecosystem.

Is the iPhone 17 Ultra on the horizon?

While the iPhone 17 Pro Max remains Apple’s most premium offering, there are rumors of an even more advanced iPhone 17 Ultra. Tech analyst Ryan Christoffel from 9to5Mac speculates that Apple might rebrand the Pro Max as Ultra, aiming to differentiate it from the slimmer iPhone 17 Air.

If Apple follows this path, the Ultra model could introduce a groundbreaking new camera system with a 48MP telephoto lens and an upgraded 12GB RAM - up from the 8GB found in the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Additionally, a redesigned Dynamic Island will be significantly smaller, made possible by using metalens technology in the Face ID system.

With the iPhone 17 series expected to debut in September 2025, Apple enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating how these bold design choices and hardware upgrades will shape the next generation of flagship smartphones.

Hai Phong