Apple is reportedly making a notable design tweak to the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro – and it’s all about the antennas. Set to debut on September 9 alongside the rest of the iPhone 17 lineup, the Pro model (and likely the Pro Max) will feature antennas repositioned around the rear camera module.
This camera island will stretch across the full width of the device, marking one of the most talked-about design changes for 2025.
According to insider reports, Apple’s approach may have been inspired by the Apple Watch Ultra and Ultra 2, which integrate antennas in a way that boosts reception and stability. Current iPhones have their antennas along the chassis edges, with frame breaks to allow signal passthrough. While functional, this placement can suffer from interference caused by the phone’s materials.
By relocating antennas to the camera island – an area less affected by shielding – Apple aims to enhance both 5G and the upcoming Wi-Fi 7 connectivity. The change could deliver more stable performance in crowded areas and faster data speeds, helping the iPhone 17 Pro stand out as one of the most network-reliable smartphones on the market.