Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 17 series in September, so it is unsurprising that the company would be rigorously testing various prototypes in public places, particularly the cameras, just to see if adjustments are necessary before the grand unveiling. Unfortunately, on this occasion, it appears that the person testing out what seems to be an iPhone 17 Pro or iPhone 17 Pro Max in the streets of San Francisco was not careful about prying eyes because someone has actually captured and posted some images. As for the person testing out these handsets and the security personnel, we cannot say for certain that their jobs will remain at Apple.
The two iPhone 17 Pro or iPhone 17 Pro Max models were covered in thick housings to prevent the design from getting leaked
At Union Square, X user @Skyfops spotted two upcoming iPhone models featuring that triple camera array, hinting that it could be the iPhone 17 Pro or the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Both devices were covered in a housing to prevent the design from getting leaked, but that did not stop the person from snapping a couple of photographs as evidence. Shortly after, the images found their way to the micro-blogging social media network, with one of the snaps showing that a security personnel failed to protect the smartphones’ privacy by not standing in front of them.
The handset’s layout has cutouts for the cameras, flash, and LiDAR sensor, similar to that of the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. On the thread, one person commented that Apple might initiate a lawsuit against @Skyfops, but since those pictures were captured in a public place, we doubt that there will be such severe repercussions. At the very least, a company employee could reach out to the person and ask them to delete the images.
An iPhone 17 Pro or an iPhone 17 Pro Max was seemingly being tested on the streets of San Francisco / Image credits – @Skyfops
However, we cannot say for sure how secure the jobs of the tester and security guard will be after this incident. It is no secret that Apple and other firms are known to punish employees for being careless, but if it ever comes to that, we believe that the security guard could be on the receiving end, since the person in possession of the iPhone 17 Pro or iPhone 17 Pro Max could only focus on the prototypes and functionality, not the surrounding people.
News Source: @Skyfops