iPhone 18 Pro rumors have already started, including one that says Apple may be changing the most polarizing design element of iPhone 17 Pro: the glass cutout on the back of the device.
Rear glass cutout design might be changing with iPhone 18 Pro
Apple made some bold design changes with this year’s iPhone lineup. The iPhone Air (read our review) offers a futuristic look, while the iPhone 17 Pro (review here) stands out with three main features:
- The full-width camera plateau
- Bold new color options like Cosmic Orange
- and the two-tone back with a glass cutout area
This final element seems to be the most controversial one.
Some people don’t mind the glass cutout, or even think it looks cool. Others find it a major turnoff.
It’s a polarizing change, but a new rumor for the iPhone 18 Pro indicates Apple may already be working on a fix.
Weibo leaker Digital Chat Station posted this week and shared a variety of iPhone 18 Pro design specs currently being tested.
Almost everything he mentions is identical to the iPhone 17 Pro line. He says the camera plateau is unchanged, the vapor chamber returns, and screen sizes are the same 6.3 and 6.9 inches.
But one thing that has been updated is the glass cutout on the back, which he says uses a little bit of a “transparent design.”
Top comment by Jason
This is literally the first I've heard that the cut out on the 17 Pro is a "polarizing" design choice. What, are folks upset that the whole back isn't glass like on other and previous models? I personally see the reduction in back glass as a positive thing. And the larger 'bezel' around the glass should hopefully make it less breakage prone. Regarding the difference in color, does anyone in the real world actually use these things without a case? Outside of reviews online no one is ever going to see the cutout anyway because it's going to be hidden by a case (unless you get a clear case).
That’s not a lot to go off of. And it’s unclear what this slightly transparent design might look like in a final shipping product.
For me though, what’s noteworthy about this rumor is that Apple is experimenting with at least making some change to the rear glass cutout on the iPhone 18 Pro.
That, to me, says the company understands the current look isn’t ideal. Therefore it plans to improve the cutout in any way possible.
What’s your take on the iPhone 17 Pro’s glass cutout design? Do you hope Apple changes it with the iPhone 18 Pro? Let us know in the comments.
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