iPhone 17 Pro won’t get a dual-tone finish, but a redesigned camera is likely – Our thoughts

The iPhone 17 Pro models are unlikely to see a significant design shift from the iPhone 16 Pro. Here’s what we know so far.

Earlier this year, there were reports suggesting that the iPhone 17 Pro models might feature a major design change, including a brand-new dual-tone finish. This would include a redesigned camera module, too. According to the initial renders, the phone was also expected to have a different finish on the lower half. However, it now appears this may not be happening after all. According to a new report by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the design changes may be incremental, more of a refinement rather than a full revamp, as previously anticipated.

Here's what we currently know about the iPhone 17 Pro design

iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are expected to feature to single tone design, but with a new camera module. (X/@asherdipps)

By Shaurya Sharma

Shaurya Sharma is the Technology Editor at Hindustan Times Digital Streams, where he oversees technology coverage across digital and social platforms. With over eight years of experience across editorial, video production, and digital media, his work focuses on smartphones, AI, consumer gadgets, and shaping audience-first content strategies for modern tech consumers.

He began his career in 2018 as a fashion cinematographer before turning his lifelong passion for technology into a profession. From spending his childhood immersed in tech magazines, video games, and the latest gadgets to covering the global consumer tech industry today, technology has remained a constant throughout his journey.

Over the years, Shaurya has worked with some of India’s leading media organisations, including CNN-News18, Sportskeeda, and Guiding Tech, where he led video initiatives that combined strong editorial storytelling with engaging visual and social-first execution.

A graduate in Journalism and Mass Communication from Manipal University, Shaurya has reviewed hundreds of products across categories including smartphones, laptops, gaming consoles, cameras, and wearables. Beyond work, he is passionate about animal welfare, environmental causes, and automobiles, particularly turbo-petrol cars

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Gurman suggests that the iPhone 17 Pro models may end up looking quite similar to the iPhone 16 Pro series. However, the camera module is expected to be redesigned, occupying the entire width of the top section of the phone. Contrary to earlier leaks, this module is expected to match the rest of the phone’s body in colour and finish.

Gurman says that some of the renders and leaks available online depicted a dark camera module placed on a lighter-coloured body. However, he states that this will not be an accurate representation of the final product. He notes that the iPhone 17 Pro will not have a two-tone back. He has been told that the camera area will be the same colour as the rest of the device. This points to more gradual design changes that Apple is making. The iPhone 17 Pro will not be a major departure from current models.

Our Take

If you consider Apple’s strategy over the past several generations, one thing becomes clear: the company has been focusing on subtle refinements with each new release. While these changes may appear minor on the surface, the features introduced with every generation often amount to meaningful upgrades. The same could hold true for the iPhone 17 Pro, which is expected to feature a significant camera redesign rather than a complete overhaul of the body.

This aligns with Apple’s brand strategy in recent years, and it makes sense for the company to continue in this direction. That said, for those who were hoping for a major aesthetic revamp, perhaps because they’ve grown tired of the current design language, they may have to wait a little longer.

So, when is a major iPhone redesign coming?

However, this doesn’t change the fact that four models are expected this time: the iPhone 17 Pro, the iPhone 17 Pro Max, the iPhone 17, and a brand-new moniker, the iPhone 17 Air or iPhone 17 Slim, or whatever Apple ultimately decides to call it.