Apple's iPhone 17 Air camera module leaks reveal possible redesign

Apple faces disappointing iPhone sales in China, but new updates to include AI defaults on devices.

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Apple's upcoming iPhone 17 Air is reportedly set to feature a design shift, with new leaks suggesting a prominent camera bar running across the rear of the device.

According to images circulating online, the slimline iPhone will be equipped with an elongated camera module that stretches nearly across the entire back surface.

This design will include a single camera lens, a flash, and a small microphone cutout on the right-hand edge. This shift in design mirrors the camera bar seen in Google’s Pixel series, offering a new aesthetic for Apple's next flagship phone.

While the iPhone 17 Air's design remains a topic of speculation, another change is set to make waves within Apple's ecosystem. The company is preparing to make its Apple Intelligence suite the default setting for compatible devices, a shift that will take place with the upcoming releases of macOS Sequoia version 15.3 and iOS and iPadOS 18.3.

Apple Intelligence, which includes various generative AI features, will be activated by default during the initial setup process, though users will still have the option to disable it later in the settings.

The decision marks a major step forward for Apple as it continues to integrate artificial intelligence into its devices, enhancing user experience with features such as machine learning, natural language processing, and other AI-powered tools.

In terms of market performance, Apple is facing some challenges in China. According to recent data from Counterpoint Research, the company’s iPhone sales saw a significant decline in the final quarter of 2024. Shipments fell by 18.2% year-on-year, dropping Apple’s market share to 17.1%.

This marks a sharp fall from the previous quarter when Apple held the top spot in the Chinese market. The decline in iPhone sales has seen Apple fall behind local competitors Huawei and Xiaomi, which secured 18.1% and 17.2% of the market share, respectively.

On a positive note, Apple is continuing to expand its health-related features for users. The company has announced plans to roll out its hearing test feature for AirPods Pro 2 users in the UK. The feature, which is already available in the US, helps users monitor their hearing health using the AirPods Pro 2's internal sensors.

The rollout in the UK follows regulatory approval from the Department of Health and Social Care and is expected to be available in the coming weeks, with Apple set to release updated software for both AirPods and iOS devices to enable the feature.