iPhone 17 Pro May Adopt Apple Watch Ultra-Style Antennas for Improved Reception

Apple may adopt Apple Watch Ultra-style antennas in the iPhone 17 Pro, repositioning them around the rear camera module to improve reception and signal stability, reduce interference, and enhance efficiency in dense signal environments. This design change is said to mirror the multi-band antenna system used in the Apple Watch Ultra.

Apple is rumored to introduce a significant design change in the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro, repositioning its antenna system around the rear camera module. This design choice mirrors the approach used in the Apple Watch Ultra, where antennas are strategically integrated to maximize reception and signal stability [1].

According to Majin Bu, a respected tech analyst, Apple will reposition the antennas around the giant new camera bar on the rear of the iPhone 17 Pro. This design is expected to reduce signal shielding and interference, as users typically hold their iPhones from the bottom, not over the camera system. Additionally, this new placement aims to improve the distribution of electromagnetic energy in space, reducing shadow zones and enhancing efficiency in dense signal environments like cities or complex indoor spaces [1].

This design change is not entirely speculative, as Majin Bu has a decent track record of accurate rumors. Apple is expected to officially unveil the iPhone 17 Pro in early September 2025, with an event announcement confirming the date likely to happen later this month [2].

The iPhone 17 series is also expected to include the iPhone 17 Air, a new slim model replacing the iPhone 17 Plus. All models may feature 120Hz ProMotion displays, while Pro versions might sport a half-aluminum frame and a horizontal camera bump. The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are expected to retain their 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch screens, respectively, while the iPhone 17 Air is likely to sit between these two in size [2].

The iPhone 17 lineup is expected to be powered by Apple’s new A19 Pro chip, built using TSMC’s latest 3nm process for improved speed and power efficiency. For the first time, iPhones could come with 12GB of RAM, allowing smoother multitasking and enabling advanced Apple Intelligence AI features [2].

The iPhone 17 Pro Max is tipped to be the first iPhone with three 48MP rear cameras — a Wide, an Ultra Wide, and a Tetraprism Telephoto lens — and may also support 8K video recording for the first time. The iPhone 17 Air is expected to come with a single 48MP rear camera, while the standard iPhone 17 will likely feature a dual-lens setup with Wide and Ultra Wide cameras [2].

In India, the iPhone 17 Pro is expected to be priced at around Rs 1,45,990, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max could cost approximately Rs 1,64,990 [2].

References:
[1] https://9to5mac.com/2025/08/11/rumor-points-to-iphone-17-pro-adopting-apple-watch-ultra-style-antennas/
[2] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/mobiles-tabs/apple-iphone-17-series-set-to-launch-in-september-launch-date-design-features-price-and-other-things-to-expect/articleshow/123219534.cms