The latest glimpse at Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 lineup isn’t winning any popularity contests. New images showing dummy units of all four expected models — including the slimmed-down iPhone 17 Air — have surfaced online, and the internet’s reaction has been less than enthusiastic. In fact, many users are openly calling the designs “ugly,” “boring,” and “disappointing.”
Shared by tech leaker @SonnyDickson and picked up by GSMArena, the photos show what are believed to be mock-ups of Apple’s upcoming devices in both black and white color options. The dummy units display flat-colored backs and feature noticeably large camera bumps — a design shift that seems to have divided fans.
A Peek at the Full Lineup
The dummy units reportedly represent all four models expected in the iPhone 17 series, and while none of the images confirm internal specs, they do offer a sense of what the devices might look like in-hand. Notably, the iPhone 17 Air — a new addition to the lineup — appears significantly thinner than the other models, a detail that aligns with earlier rumors suggesting Apple was working on a sleeker, more lightweight device.
Interestingly, the dummy models show a uniform, single-color design on the rear, contradicting earlier leaks that hinted at a two-tone aesthetic. If accurate, this suggests Apple is opting for a cleaner, simpler look this time around — but it’s a change not everyone appreciates.
Internet Reactions: Brutal
From Reddit to X (formerly Twitter), users haven’t held back. Comments range from mild disappointment to full-on roasting of the new designs.
“Those are so ugly,” one Redditor wrote bluntly. Others piled on, calling the new camera modules “monstrosities” and comparing the devices to “cheap knockoffs.” While a few users expressed some interest in the thinner iPhone 17 Air, even that model wasn’t spared from criticism about its oversized camera array and plain design.
Across multiple tech forums, users expressed frustration over what they perceive as Apple’s lack of innovation in design. “This feels like iPhone 13 with a bigger wart on the back,” one commenter joked. Others criticized the company for playing it safe and ignoring consumer feedback.
Despite the backlash, a handful of users pointed out that dummy units don’t always reflect the final product. Some argued that better materials, finishes, and real-world lighting could improve the overall impression once the phones are officially revealed.
How Accurate Are These Dummies?
While dummy units are often based on leaked schematics or early information from the supply chain, they aren’t official Apple products. Still, these new mock-ups are consistent with past leaks and rumors, particularly regarding the larger camera bumps and the simplified rear panel design.
These leaks may be part of a coordinated wave of pre-release hype — or they could just be based on industry insider info that’s trickled down to accessory manufacturers and leakers. Either way, they’re likely to give a close approximation of what to expect when Apple unveils the iPhone 17 lineup later this year.
Design Fatigue or Genuine Flop?
Apple’s design choices have often sparked heated debates, but this time, the dissatisfaction seems louder than usual. With many feeling that the company has stuck too closely to previous generations’ looks — while enlarging and emphasizing the cameras yet again — there’s growing sentiment that Apple’s aesthetic choices may be missing the mark.
Whether these early impressions impact actual sales remains to be seen. Apple has a history of weathering negative early reactions only to see huge demand when devices hit the market. Still, it’s clear from online chatter that the iPhone 17 — or at least these early mock-ups — hasn’t exactly wowed the crowd.
Until the official unveiling, fans and critics alike will have to wait and see if Apple can change hearts and minds when the final models are revealed. For now, though, the buzz is more about what people don’t like — and that’s not the kind of reaction Apple is likely hoping for.