First Details on iPhone 7 Design: Flush Rear Camera, No Antenna Bands Across the Back

Apple's iPhone 7 isn't expected to launch until the usual September timeframe, but we're starting to get our first hints of what we might be able to expect for the new device. According to a source who has provided reliable information in the past, the iPhone 7 body will appear very similar to the design used for the iPhone 6 and 6s, with two significant exceptions.

The first involves the rear camera, which protrudes slightly on the iPhone 6 and 6s. On the iPhone 7, the camera is said to sit flush with the rear casing, enabled by a thinner camera module. Recent rumors have indicated Apple is considering equipping the iPhone 7 Plus with a dual-lens rear camera, but the smaller iPhone 7 is expected to include a more traditional camera.

iphone_7_render_mr

Mockup of iPhone 7 case showing flush rear camera and no antenna bands across rear

The other significant change with the body of the iPhone 7 is the removal of antenna bands across the rear, allowing for a cleaner all-metal look on the back. Antenna bands at the sides and around the top and bottom edges are said to remain, however.

Our source has been unable to confirm whether the device as a whole will be thinner than the iPhone 6 and 6s, although any thickness reductions would be expected to be slight, and many users (particularly those who use their devices without cases) will likely find the flush rear camera to be a significant improvement even if other dimensions remain the same.

Related Forum: iPhone

Popular Stories

airpods pro 2 pinnk

iOS 26: 7 New AirPods Features

Friday August 8, 2025 12:31 pm PDT by
With iOS 26, Apple is bringing several new features to the AirPods, making them more useful than before. The added functionality will be available this fall when Apple releases iOS 26 and updated AirPods firmware, but you can test everything new right now. Camera Remote The AirPods can be used as a camera remote for the Camera app or third-party iOS camera apps. You'll need to enable the...
iphone 16 pro models 1

20 Reasons to Wait for the iPhone 17

Friday August 8, 2025 4:40 am PDT by
The iPhone 17 series is now just weeks away. Apple's iPhone 17 event this year is rumored to be scheduled for Tuesday, September 9. If Apple follows the traditional pattern, iPhone 17 pre-orders would begin on the Friday, September 12. The new devices would then likely reach customers and retail stores the following Friday, September 19. If you're in the market for a new iPhone this year, or ...
watchos 26

Apple Watch Series 11 Launching Next Month With These New Features

Friday August 8, 2025 3:09 pm PDT by
There's just about a month to go until Apple unveils the Apple Watch Series 11 models at its September event. Last year we got display upgrades, and this year, there could be new health features. We've recapped all of the current Apple Watch Series 11 rumors for a quick preview of what might be coming. Faster Chip Apple is likely planning to introduce an updated S11 chip that offers a more...
Low Cost MacBook Feature A18 Pro

New 12.9-Inch MacBook Could Launch This Year Starting at $599

Monday August 11, 2025 1:38 am PDT by
Apple's rumored new more affordable MacBook could have a starting price as low as $599 and launch as soon as this year, according to a new report out of Asia. We first learned of Apple's low-cost MacBook plans in late June, when analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said the company was developing a "more affordable" 13-inch laptop that would compete with Chromebooks and drive MacBook purchases, though he...
ios 26 liquid glass lock screen beta 6

Apple Changes Liquid Glass Again in iOS 26 Beta 6

Monday August 11, 2025 12:09 pm PDT by
Apple is continuing to tweak the way that the Liquid Glass design looks ahead of the iOS 26 launch, and the latest beta makes a change to the Lock Screen. The Lock Screen clock has been updated with additional transparency, allowing more of the background to peek through. Beta 6 on left, beta 5 on right The clock also has more of a 3D, floating look, which is in line with the rest of the ...
Apple Touchwood Centre Genius Bar

Two Apple Stores Permanently Closing Tomorrow

Friday August 8, 2025 6:22 am PDT by
As previously announced, this Saturday will be the final day of business for Apple Bristol in Bristol, England and Apple Parkland in Dalian, China. The relocated Apple Touchwood Centre near Birmingham Both of the stores will be permanently closing tomorrow, for landlord-related reasons. Apple Bristol is closing due to the landlord's redevelopment plans at the Cabot Circus Shopping Centre, and ...
AirPods Pro 3 Mock Feature

AirPods Pro 3 Could Be Just Weeks Away – Here's What We Know

Tuesday August 5, 2025 2:03 am PDT by
Despite being over two years old, Apple's AirPods Pro 2 still dominate the premium wireless‑earbud space, thanks to a potent mix of top‑tier audio, class‑leading noise cancellation, and Apple's habit of delivering major new features through software updates. Rumors suggest AirPods Pro 3 could arrive as soon as September 2025 alongside the iPhone 17 lineup, giving prospective AirPods...
maxresdefault

iPhone 17 Pro Launching Next Month With These 12 New Features

Tuesday August 5, 2025 6:25 am PDT by
The calendar has turned to August, and that means the iPhone 17 series is just one month away. Apple has yet to officially announce an event, but it has been rumored that the devices will be announced on Tuesday, September 9. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Below is the August 2025 edition of our iPhone 17 Pro rumor recap, for an up-to-date overview of what to...

Top Rated Comments

Hexiii Avatar
124 months ago
No redesign? But but but, I want everybody to know I have the new iPhone...
Score: 52 Votes (Like | Disagree)
gugy Avatar
124 months ago
I would like to see straight edges like the 5S.
Score: 51 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Number-Six Avatar
124 months ago
Does the protruding camera really bother that many people? I mean I guess I'm not bothered by it because my phone is always in a case, but still

Same for antenna bands really
Score: 39 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheIguana Avatar
124 months ago
More $#@$%$ battery ... less of the "make it as thin as possible" crap.
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Thunderhawks Avatar
124 months ago


I use my phone naked, and I never once have thought, "damn that protruding lens"!
Hopefully not in public. You would be arrested, especially with anything protruding.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
decimortis Avatar
124 months ago
Why did the render in the article remove just two of the antenna lines, and not all of them?
The other significant change with the body of the iPhone 7 is the removal of antenna bands across the rear, allowing for a cleaner all-metal look on the back. Antenna bands at the sides and around the top and bottom edges are said to remain, however.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)