The iPhone 17 Pro might come with an exciting, essential accessory that surpasses a traditional case.

      This is a potential representation of the hump, without the flashy two-tone appearance.

      The Apple iPhone 17 Pro might offer an unexpected customization feature, based on an image depicting an exciting new type of accessory. Rather than simply enclosing the phone in a case or skin, the iPhone 17 Pro’s unique camera module could accommodate colorful panels to enhance the phone’s appearance, utilizing the blank space expected around the cameras.

      Anyone who has viewed early renders of the iPhone 17 Pro’s possible design will likely have noticed the sizable, flat camera module on the back, which contains three main cameras to the left, flanked by a flash unit and an additional sensor on the right. The gap between them remains unused, which is where the proposed panels would fit in.

      Accessory manufacturers have begun creating distinctive camera covers designed to match the broader camera tray of the new iPhone 17 Pro, as noted by Majin Bu on X, a reputable source for Apple-related news. The accompanying image features four vibrantly designed panels, one of which is associated with sportswear brand Ripcurl, along with others showcasing a comic strip aesthetic. Each panel is designed with cutouts corresponding to the camera and sensor positions on the iPhone 17 Pro renders.

      It remains uncertain how these panels will attach to the back of the iPhone 17 Pro, considering the raised camera module. One commenter on the X post suggested that magnetic panels would be ideal, allowing for easy attachment and replacement, thus preventing waste as they would not be limited to single use like a skin.

      The potential for this kind of customization is significant. With individually sold panels and sets that include matching cases, we could witness users mixing and matching to create even more dynamic appearances for the back of their new iPhones. Case manufacturers will likely embrace this trend, and brands that currently produce iPhone cases may view it as a promising advertising opportunity on the back of the latest iPhone model.

      While these panels are exciting, they remain speculative based on the anticipated design of an unreleased smartphone, so we should treat this information as conjecture rather than certainty. However, it does suggest how Apple may aim to differentiate the next iPhone model, and it could clarify why the iPhone 17 Pro’s camera module is expected to be entirely flat. If accurate, it suggests we are looking at the next must-have fashion accessory for the iPhone.

      Andy is a Senior Writer at Digital Trends, focusing on mobile technology, a subject he's covered for...

      Forget the design of the iPhone 17 Pro; the 20th anniversary iPhone could be the most daring yet.

      There are always numerous rumors surrounding upcoming iPhones, with some surfacing over a year before the model is officially announced. This year, the iPhone 17 series is anticipated to be unveiled in September, with various reports indicating design changes for the Pro models, as well as the introduction of a super slim iPhone.

      However, the latest report we’re discussing isn’t about this year’s iPhone or even the following one; it concerns the 20th anniversary iPhone model, which is expected to launch in 2027, alongside a possible folding iPhone. According to Mark Gurman’s most recent Power On newsletter, highlighted by MacRumors, the iPhone Pro set to debut with the folding iPhone will feature a "bold" design that incorporates more glass.

      For nearly five years, Apple has released smartphones that have fundamentally maintained the same design language introduced with the iPhone 11. This year, the iPhone 17 series will make its debut. If you were hoping for a significant aesthetic refresh, there's disappointing news unless you're willing to invest heavily in one of the Pro models.

      As reported by Bloomberg, the iPhone 17 Pro “will look meaningfully different” from its iPhone 16 series predecessor. Alongside the rumored super-sleek iPhone 17 Air variant, these two models are said to represent the most significant design refreshes in recent years for Apple smartphones. However, the changes are expected to remain quite modest.

      Apple’s smartphones could face drastic price increases due to recent tariffs, according to a report from Rosenblatt Securities. Analysts predict that tariffs may lead to price hikes in the range of 30% to 40% if Apple chooses to transfer the added costs to consumers. According to Neil Shah, an analyst at Counterpoint Research, Apple might need to raise prices by 30% on average, whereas Rosenblatt analysts suggest the figure is closer to 43%.

      To exemplify what this could mean, consider the current price of the iPhone 16, which starts at $799. If its cost rises by 43%, it would amount to approximately $1,142. Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which currently starts at $1,599, could increase to just under $2,300 ($2,286.57, to be precise).