The image is said to be taken of the iPhone 17 Pro's frame in the factory, matching the previously leaked design information.
Majin Bu, a reputable source who often shares accurate information about Apple's unreleased products, posted a photo of the metal frame, showing the changes on the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max. In particular, the perforated positions correspond to the camera cluster, sensors, and MagSafe charging cluster.
According to MacRumors, the photo may have been taken on the production line. The metal frame has been initially CNC-machined and is ready for the next stage of finishing, such as additional machining and adding a protective coating.
However, Apple Insider believes that this frame is made to produce protective cases, not components for the iPhone 17 Pro. Meanwhile, PhoneArena has two opinions. This page assesses that the components have some protruding details around the cutouts, so this could be a mold for the case manufacturer, or an unfinished frame of the iPhone 17 Pro in the factory and Apple will handle the excess parts at a later stage.
Previously, some sources said that Apple will return to using aluminum frames instead of titanium on the new generation Pro line. The rear camera cluster is expanded from square to rectangular, taking up the entire horizontal part of the device. The three lenses are on the left while the separate sensor and flash are on the right.
Apple is also said to be testing 7.5W reverse wireless charging for the iPhone 17 Pro, allowing the device to charge other devices such as AirPods and Apple Watch. The iPhone can currently charge the Apple Watch and AirPods via USB-C at 4.5W, but there is no reverse wireless charging option.
The 2025 iPhone generation is expected to launch in September with four models: iPhone 17, 17 Air, 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max. Of which, the iPhone 17 Air is a completely new line with an ultra-thin design and is said to replace the Plus model.