iPhone 17 Pro Reintroduces Glass Cutout for 5G mmWave Antenna on US Models
ByAinvest
Tuesday, Sep 9, 2025 4:07 pm ET2min read
AAPL--
The iPhone 17 Pro marks a return to a design that was initially introduced with the iPhone 12. Since then, Apple has experimented with different placements for the 5G mmWave antenna, including the right side of the phone and the back glass. However, the new aluminum construction of the iPhone 17 Pro requires a different approach to accommodate the antenna. The glass cutout on the top of the phone is a subtle design element that may not be immediately noticeable, depending on the lighting conditions [1].
The introduction of the glass cutout for the 5G mmWave antenna is part of a broader trend in the smartphone industry towards more efficient and powerful designs. As smartphones become more powerful and capable, the need for advanced connectivity features such as 5G mmWave support becomes increasingly important. The glass cutout on the iPhone 17 Pro is a practical solution to this need, allowing the phone to maintain its advanced connectivity features while also maintaining its sleek and modern design [1].
In addition to the glass cutout for the 5G mmWave antenna, the iPhone 17 Pro also features a new design that maximizes performance and delivers an enormous leap in battery life. The new brushed aluminum unibody design is crafted with a lightweight aerospace-grade 7000-series aluminum alloy to deliver the best-ever thermal performance in an iPhone. The new internal architecture features an Apple-designed vapor chamber to enhance heat dissipation and performance, allowing the phone to operate at even higher performance levels [3].
The iPhone 17 Pro also introduces a new Center Stage front camera experience and pro-level video features, including ProRes RAW, Apple Log 2, and genlock. These features are designed to cater to the needs of professional filmmakers and content creators, allowing them to capture and edit high-quality video directly on their smartphones [3].
Overall, the iPhone 17 Pro is a significant upgrade for Apple's most demanding users. The new design and advanced features make it a powerful and capable device that is well-suited to the needs of both consumers and professionals alike.
References:
[1] https://9to5mac.com/2025/09/09/iphone-17-pro-mmwave-glass-cutout-new-location/
[2] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/us/iphone-17s-soon-chatting-with-5g-satellites-starlink-mystery-to-be-unveiled/articleshow/123789877.cms
[3] https://www.morningstar.com/news/business-wire/20250909738588/apple-unveils-iphone-17-pro-and-iphone-17-pro-max-the-most-powerful-and-advanced-pro-models-ever
Apple's iPhone 17 Pro reintroduces a glass cutout for 5G mmWave antenna on US models, a design quirk that was removed with the iPhone 16 lineup. The cutout is located on the top of the phone, allowing the 5G mmWave antenna to pass through the aluminum casing. This design decision is necessary due to the iPhone's new aluminum construction, which cannot accommodate the back glass passthrough used in previous models.
Apple's latest iPhone 17 Pro models have reintroduced a glass cutout for the 5G mmWave antenna on US models, a design element that was removed with the iPhone 16 lineup. This design quirk is located on the top of the phone, allowing the 5G mmWave antenna to pass through the aluminum casing. This design decision is necessary due to the iPhone's new aluminum construction, which cannot accommodate the back glass passthrough used in previous models [1].The iPhone 17 Pro marks a return to a design that was initially introduced with the iPhone 12. Since then, Apple has experimented with different placements for the 5G mmWave antenna, including the right side of the phone and the back glass. However, the new aluminum construction of the iPhone 17 Pro requires a different approach to accommodate the antenna. The glass cutout on the top of the phone is a subtle design element that may not be immediately noticeable, depending on the lighting conditions [1].
The introduction of the glass cutout for the 5G mmWave antenna is part of a broader trend in the smartphone industry towards more efficient and powerful designs. As smartphones become more powerful and capable, the need for advanced connectivity features such as 5G mmWave support becomes increasingly important. The glass cutout on the iPhone 17 Pro is a practical solution to this need, allowing the phone to maintain its advanced connectivity features while also maintaining its sleek and modern design [1].
In addition to the glass cutout for the 5G mmWave antenna, the iPhone 17 Pro also features a new design that maximizes performance and delivers an enormous leap in battery life. The new brushed aluminum unibody design is crafted with a lightweight aerospace-grade 7000-series aluminum alloy to deliver the best-ever thermal performance in an iPhone. The new internal architecture features an Apple-designed vapor chamber to enhance heat dissipation and performance, allowing the phone to operate at even higher performance levels [3].
The iPhone 17 Pro also introduces a new Center Stage front camera experience and pro-level video features, including ProRes RAW, Apple Log 2, and genlock. These features are designed to cater to the needs of professional filmmakers and content creators, allowing them to capture and edit high-quality video directly on their smartphones [3].
Overall, the iPhone 17 Pro is a significant upgrade for Apple's most demanding users. The new design and advanced features make it a powerful and capable device that is well-suited to the needs of both consumers and professionals alike.
References:
[1] https://9to5mac.com/2025/09/09/iphone-17-pro-mmwave-glass-cutout-new-location/
[2] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/us/iphone-17s-soon-chatting-with-5g-satellites-starlink-mystery-to-be-unveiled/articleshow/123789877.cms
[3] https://www.morningstar.com/news/business-wire/20250909738588/apple-unveils-iphone-17-pro-and-iphone-17-pro-max-the-most-powerful-and-advanced-pro-models-ever
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