By this point, we’ve got a fairly solid sense of what the iPhone 17 lineup will look like—and let’s just say it’s… unconventional. From what’s shaping up to be the thinnest iPhone ever made to a camera bump that’s bigger than any we’ve seen before, this year’s models are clearly ditching the “same old” vibe. And that’s true for Apple’s official cases, too.
We already knew Apple was working on a follow-up to its underwhelming FineWoven cases, but now we’re getting a first look at the company’s clear case for the iPhone 17 Pro—and it’s just about as strange as the phone itself. The iPhone 17 Pro might end up being a standout for photography, but it looks like it’ll have a pretty quirky aesthetic to match.
Longtime Apple leaker Majin Bu has shared what they say are photos of the official clear case. Not only does it include the much-rumored extra-large cutout for the camera bump, but there’s also a big section on the back that’s not transparent at all.
If you’ve ever wondered what stretches the definition of a “clear case,” this might be it: Apple is adding a huge opaque white patch to the back, and honestly? It’s a bit of an eyesore.
This year’s Pro model has been full of surprises—none of which have screamed “traditional iPhone.” First, there was the news about the oversized camera bump. Then we heard Apple is moving away from glass and titanium in favor of a less premium aluminum build. After that, rumors surfaced that the logo won’t be centered on the back anymore. Now, this leak suggests the back will look even more unusual, with that opaque section supposedly aligning with a glass cutout on the phone itself (meant for wireless charging).
We only have a week to wait until Apple reveals the real deal, but right now, the iPhone 17 Pro is shaping up to feel like a bit of a hodgepodge—big, mismatched bits and pieces thrown together. Still, let’s be real: After the iPhone 16 launch, which most people found totally underwhelming, at least we’re getting something different this time around.
