Just days before Apple’s September 9 event, the tech world is buzzing over a purported hands-on video showing what is claimed to be the iPhone 17 Pro Max. The clip, reportedly filmed directly on the production line in China, has ignited fierce debate. 
At first glance, the device seems bulkier than expected, with a massive camera island that instantly divided opinions among fans and critics alike.
The short video, barely a few seconds long, shows someone handling the alleged iPhone 17 Pro Max unit. The design looks sharp but controversial: the oversized rear camera housing dominates the back panel, with lenses that still protrude, something many hoped Apple would finally solve. Observers immediately pointed out the awkward empty space on the island, the odd placement of the Apple logo, and even suggested asymmetrical bezels – fueling speculation that this could be nothing more than a dummy or an Android knockoff.
It wouldn’t be the first time Apple was accused of embracing a strange design only to see rivals quickly imitate it. The iPhone X notch was widely mocked at launch but soon became a staple across countless Android models. Now, some fear this massive camera island could spark a new wave of copycats, despite being met with skepticism. The possibility that this is simply an unfinished prototype, or even a fake, remains high. Still, leaks from the production line often turn out to be early glimpses of reality, which makes this one hard to ignore.
Meanwhile, the lineup expected on September 9 looks ambitious. Alongside the iPhone 17 Pro Max, Apple is set to reveal the standard iPhone 17, the lighter iPhone 17 Air, and the iPhone 17 Pro. Rumors suggest significant performance jumps, but the spotlight, for better or worse, is on the Pro Max design. Whether Apple refines it before launch or not, the video has already shaped public perception – some calling it a futuristic powerhouse, others dismissing it as little more than a clumsy brick.
Ultimately, the truth will be revealed on stage at Apple’s event. Until then, the tech community remains split: is this the next bold step in Apple’s design language, or just a poorly executed dummy that accidentally went viral?
3 comments
def a dummy lol the bezels are not even symmetrical 😂
looks like a cheap knockoff u get in china market
honestly video makes it look better than pics tbh