iPhone 17 Series Design Revealed: Sizes, Materials, and Aesthetic Innovations

Apple’s iPhone 17 series marks a significant shift in design philosophy and lineup strategy. Notably, Apple has decided to eliminate the iPhone 17 Plus model, instead introducing a new iPhone 17 Air variant with an ultra-slim profile and a 6.6-inch large screen. Meanwhile, the standard iPhone 17 model grows slightly to a 6.3-inch display, closing the gap between previous models. Alongside these size changes, Apple has redesigned the camera module and revamped the rear materials to blend aluminum and glass in a stylish and functional manner.

No More Plus, Welcome iPhone 17 Air

After lukewarm sales of Plus versions in recent years, Apple is officially discontinuing the iPhone 17 Plus. In its place comes the new iPhone 17 Air, described as Apple’s boldest design experiment in years. The Air model offers a 6.6-inch display—a size between the standard and Pro Max models—and an astonishingly thin body just 6mm thick, making it the slimmest iPhone yet.1

The iPhone 17 Air is designed to provide a large viewing experience with a feather-light feel. It adopts a single rear camera housed within a large horizontal oval camera bump, differing greatly from the dual or triple camera setups seen on other models. The Air model’s design emphasizes minimalism and wireless functionality, featuring eSIM-only support by removing the SIM tray entirely.2

Standard iPhone 17: Bigger Screen, Familiar Form

The standard iPhone 17 grows modestly from 6.1 inches to a 6.3-inch display. This size is the same as the iPhone 17 Pro, ensuring consistency for those wanting flagship performance at a standard price. The design largely mirrors the iPhone 16 with a pill-shaped vertical camera bump, housing two cameras similar to the previous generation.

Innovative Camera Module Design

A striking new design element of the iPhone 17 series is the rear camera module. For the iPhone 17 Air, Apple opted for a fine elongated oval shape that spans the width of the back panel—a departure from the rectangular or triangular arrangements used in previous generations. This dual-color or two-tone camera bezel creates a unique visual distinction, accentuating the camera bar’s sleekness and integrating well with the device’s slim body.3

The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models adopt a wide rectangular bump housing three lenses horizontally arranged with more spacing between them, but the standard model retains the pill-shaped bump.2

Premier Materials: Half Aluminum, Half Glass Back

One of the most discussed innovations is the use of a hybrid material for the rear casing. The iPhone 17 Pro models feature a dual-material back with aluminum on the upper chassis portion where the cameras rest, which transitions in a slope rather than a step into a glass section on the lower part of the back. This half aluminum, half glass design not only enhances aesthetics but also balances durability with advantages like wireless charging compatibility through the glass section. It is an elegant solution to combine premium metal feel and functional glass capabilities.4

Summary of Key Design Features:

• iPhone 17 standard size increased to 6.3 inches, no Plus model
• New iPhone 17 Air with 6.6-inch display and ultra-thin 6mm body4
• Rear camera module changed to a fine elongated oval shape on iPhone 17 Air, two-tone design1
• Half aluminum (top) and half glass (bottom) back for Pro models, smooth transition design5

Apple’s iPhone 17 series blends bold design shifts with practical innovations, catering both to fans of larger displays and those seeking an ultra-thin phone experience. The new material choices and tasteful camera motif underscore Apple’s intent to refine both form and function in its next flagship lineup.