iPhone 17 Pro is just expensive Xiaomi 11 Ultra copy

Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 Pro has stirred up conversation across the mobile industry, largely due to recently leaked images that show a clear design nod to Xiaomi’s 11 Ultra. The new mockups reveal a horizontal camera bar configuration—an aesthetic Xiaomi championed with the 11 Ultra, and now, Apple appears to be following suit. It’s a notable example of how competitive pressures and successful design trends can drive rapid cross-pollination in the smartphone market.

Camera Bar: A Strategic Shift

The iPhone 17 Pro mockup presents a pronounced horizontal “camera bar,” featuring a rounded rectangular module positioned at the top of the phone’s rear. On the left, three prominent camera lenses; on the right, flash, lidar, and supporting hardware. The arrangement is visually distinctive and, more importantly, signals Apple’s willingness to adapt proven design methodologies from competitors when it benefits usability and visual impact.

Xiaomi initiated this silhouette with its 11 Ultra—a move that’s now being echoed across the sector as brands seek to differentiate their flagship products in a crowded landscape.

Camera System Enhancements: Raising the Bar

The iPhone 17 Pro isn’t just about surface-level changes. According to industry reports, Apple is introducing a 48MP telephoto lens, significantly improving its zoom and long-range image quality. Multi-camera video recording is also on the table, a feature that appeals to professionals and content creators alike. The front-facing camera will see a pixel bump to 24MP, directly addressing growing demand for better quality in video calls and self-portraits.

Visual Identity and Brand Considerations

Both the iPhone 17 Pro and Xiaomi 11 Ultra now share the horizontal camera bar—a practical and visually unified way to present multiple sensors and supporting components. Apple’s decision to shift its logo lower on the back panel is a subtle but important adaptation, keeping branding prominent despite the expanded camera system.

Industry Impact: Innovation or Imitation?

What we’re seeing here is a textbook case of industry convergence. Xiaomi’s horizontal camera bar, once a bold outlier, has now matured into an industry standard with clear functional benefits: improved heat dissipation, superior component organization, and better ergonomics for photography. Apple’s move reinforces the reality that even market leaders don’t hesitate to leverage competitive innovation when it aligns with their strategic goals.

In short, design leadership in the smartphone sector is more collaborative than ever—even among fierce rivals.