IPhone 17 Camera Design Triggers Storm Of Meme Criticism And Creativity On Social Media

Illustration of the iPhone 17 Series (Photo: X/@risesonline)

YOGYAKARTA - iPhone 17, which has not been officially launched by Apple Inc., has become the center of global attention. However, the attention received is not a tribute to innovation, but a wave of criticism and ridicule related to the unusual rear camera design. The leaks that are widely circulating have turned this flagship phone that has been waiting for into fuel for creativity and satire of netizens on various social media platforms.

Based on the draft render and leak of the CAD image claimed to come from the supply chain, the iPhone 17 will leave a square camera design that has been characteristic for generations. Instead, the phone is rumored to have a rear camera module shaped like a larger, prominent capsule or kidney.

This radical design immediately sparked a strong reaction from the technology community and users around the world. Within hours of the leak going viral, hashtags like #iPhone17UGly (iPhone17Jelek) and #AppleDesignFail trended on platform X (formerly Twitter).

From technical criticism to creative ridicule initially, criticism focused on aesthetic aspects. Many observers and potential consumers expressed disappointment, calling the design "unattractive", "strange", and "aesthetically delayed".

"After years of iconic square camera design, this new pill-shaped module feels like a massive step backwards. It's disruptive for the sake of being disruptive," tweeted the account @TechAnalystPrime.

However, a wave of criticism quickly evolved into a broader cultural phenomenon: meme. Public emotional involvement whether it's disappointment, confusion, or amusement is expressed in the form of fast-spreading humoristic content.

Some of the most popular meme themes include:

Comparison with everyday objects: Netizens quickly edit photos of the iPhone 17 camera module into old television remote images, nail brushes, or stickers attached carelessly to the back of the phone.

Photoshop into a strange context: Mona Lisa's painting, David's statue, and the characters in the history film suddenly "hold" the iPhone 17 in edited images made by netizens.

Comedy sketch video: Content creators on TikTok and Reels make short videos showing someone mistakenly mistaken for the iPhone 17 as a remote TV or other tools, ending up in a comedy situation.