5 Biggest Changes Rumored for iPhone 17 Pro

[MacRumors]

Later this year, Apple will introduce the iPhone 17 series, which includes the iPhone 17 Pro and the iPhone 17 Pro Max, two new high-end flagship devices that will be sold alongside the regular iPhone 17 and an all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air.

If you have been holding out for the iPhone 17 Pro or its bigger sibling, here are five of the biggest changes, informed by the latest reports and rumors, that are said to be coming to Apple's premium devices. The iPhone 17 series is expected to be released in the fall around mid-September. For all the details, see our dedicated roundup.
1. Redesigned Camera Bump
Google Pixel-Style
The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are expected to feature a significant redesign of the rear camera bump, shifting to a horizontal, rectangular bar that spans the width of the device. Visually, it's reminiscent of the Google Pixel's runway-style camera panel, and is a notable departure from Apple's long-standing square camera island. According to CAD renders and part leaks, this new bump integrates the familiar triangular triple-lens array on the left, with the LiDAR scanner, microphone, and flash relocated to the right for a more symmetrical layout.

While Apple's rationale for the shift remains unclear, the wider camera bar could offer several practical advantages. It may allow for larger or more thermally efficient components, improved spatial separation of sensors for more accurate depth mapping, or simply more efficient internal packaging as Apple continues to shrink the main logic board. The bump's uniform color, which is reportedly matched to the rest of the chassis, suggests Apple is aiming for a more unified and visually subdued design language than previously thought.

2. Upgraded Telephoto Lens
48-Megapixels
The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will feature a new upgraded Telephoto or "Tetraprism" lens with a 48MP sensor, up from the current 12MP sensor found in the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max. This is a long-running rumor that has been corroborated by multiple sources. Given that the iPhone 16 Pro models already have 48MP Fusion and Ultra Wide cameras, the iPhone 17 Pro are expected to be the first iPhone models to boast a rear triple-camera array made up entirely of 48-megapixel lenses.

In addition, Apple reportedly plans to emphasize the iPhone 17 Pro's improved video recording capabilities when it unveils the device later this year. What those capabilities will mean in real terms is unclear, but there have been suggestions that all three cameras could support 8K video recording for the first time. Shooting 8K would allow videographers to record using the Ultra Wide camera and then crop in 50% and still achieve 4K resolution.

3. Upgraded Selfie Camera
24-Megapixels
The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are rumored to feature a major upgrade to the front-facing camera: a 24MP sensor paired with a six-element plastic lens system. This would be a big leap over the iPhone 16 Pro's 12MP front-facing camera that's been used in iPhones for the last several years, and could redefine the selfie and video call experience.

A 24MP sensor allows for much higher detail capture, which isn't just about pixel count – it enables greater flexibility in framing and post-processing. Users will be able to crop, zoom, or recompose their shots without sacrificing sharpness, making it especially appealing for creators who rely on front-facing footage for content production.

4. Part-Glass, Part-Aluminum Frame
No More Titanium
Apple has gradually shifted the materials used in its premium iPhones – from aluminum to stainless steel, and more recently, titanium. But with the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, the company is expected to return to aluminum for the frame. This move is reportedly driven by environmental goals, as aluminum has a lower carbon footprint compared to titanium, making it a more sustainable choice.

The design of the rear panel is also getting a notable update. The back of the iPhone 17 Pro models will combine aluminum and glass: the top half will be made of aluminum and house a rectangular camera bump (now made from aluminum instead of the usual 3D glass) while the bottom half will remain glass to preserve wireless charging functionality. This hybrid approach suggests Apple is balancing material efficiency with practical features.

5. New A19 Pro Processor
Better Performance
The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are expected to debut with Apple's new A19 Pro chip, built using TSMC's latest third-generation 3nm process, known as "N3P." This next-gen node represents a process shrink, allowing for greater transistor density. In practical terms, that translates to modest gains in both performance and power efficiency over the A18 chip found in the iPhone 16 series.

To complement the upgraded silicon, Apple is also rumored to be introducing vapor chamber cooling in the iPhone 17 Pro models. This advanced thermal solution helps dissipate heat more effectively, allowing... Click here to read rest of article

Article Link: 5 Biggest Changes Rumored for iPhone 17 Pro

 

[aidler]

So,.... nothing that excites me personally.

 

[miq]

If “bigger camera bump” and “cheaper materials” are two of the five biggest changes to their flagship phone, that’s a very hard pass from me.

 

[sunapple]

This year the iPhone lineup will feature an additional 43% of pure magic over previous upgrades, trust us.

 

[mdnz]

Oh boy another iPhone 14 Pro!

 

[Bungaree.Chubbins]

I don't know. The 17 is actually sounding like it has a bit of promise. Sadly, I'm not due for a new phone yet.

 

[beautyहमempty]

Our most advanced iPhone in the history of iPhone! Only 3200$!

 

[sahajesh]

This will be the first year in god knows how many when I will not be upgrading.

 

[BelgianChoklit]

It seems to all be about the camera every single year. Couldn't care less personally.

 

[MockT]

Meh. Folding iPhone waiting room.

 

[clg82]

I can see why they went away from the "S" designation, as all of these recent upgrades year after year are only "S" worthy. When exactly are they going to integrate Apple Intelligence?

 

[Stuwil]

It seems to all be about the camera every single year. Couldn't care less personally.

that’s interesting that you have picked up on that because apparently
For example on the iPhone X keynote they spent about 5 minutes or so on the cameras then every year it’s got consistently longer because apparently that’s one of the top things that people look for when they purchase a smartphone these days

 

[clg82]

Meh. Folding iPhone waiting room.

No, No, NO!!!!!! According to everyone here, nobody is going to buy that niche product!

 

[DBZmusicboy01]

I want the anti reflective display and 8K video recording and hopefully the main 48mp has better optics.

 

[Chiromac81]

And still the same old Siri


Wonder if they will finally admit they promised something to the iPhone 16 buyers that they haven't delivered even when the next iPhone is out. Shame on you Apple

 

[clg82]

that’s interesting that you have picked up on that because apparently
For example on the iPhone X keynote they spent about 5 minutes or so on the cameras then every year it’s got consistently longer because apparently that’s one of the top things that people look for when they purchase a smartphone these days

Can you point to which one of the words hurt you? All the other bloat you may consider "innovation" are far from that when other phones have had things Apple introduces, some even better.

 

[clg82]

I want the anti reflective display and 8K video recording and hopefully the main 48mp has better optics.

Than you need to buy the S25 Ultra. The reflective display on that phone is phenomenal.

 

[Stuwil]

I can see why they went away from the "S" designation, as all of these recent upgrades year after year are only "S" worthy. When exactly are they going to integrate Apple Intelligence?

Apparently one of the main reasons they removed the S naming is because apparently it gave the impression that it wasn’t that much of a change so they sold less compared with the non S models
According to focus group’s & marketing it seemed like a lesser model.

 

[Stuwil]

Can you point to which one of the words hurt you? All the other bloat you may consider "innovation" are far from that when other phones have had things Apple introduces, some even better.

No I’m agreeing with you in regards to the camera
I’m just saying that at every keynote since the iPhone X launch the camera part is getting longer & longer every year

 

[scorpio vega]

It seems to all be about the camera every single year. Couldn't care less personally.

And most people would greatly disagree with you.

The camera is the first thing on any phone I look towards.

 

[Runaway Train]

My upgrade from an iPhone 11 Pro Max to the 15 pro? Marginal. Now this. Anyone remember the trumpets and drum roll followed by Tim Cook in his best southern drawl « ….and now …(more drum rolls) ….TITANIUM! ». It was « the » biggest feature being touted at the time. Oops - only kidding, now cue Aluminum. As long as they don’t bring back Mother Nature, they can go about saving the world one iPhone at a time - ok with me …

 

[tridley68]

Rumors are suggesting this is going to be a good yearly upgrade 😎

 

[Roll0]

WTB camera bumpless Iphone.
(Even, if the IQ not that "pro")

 

[m4mario]

Too bad. The titanium frame is the best feature of iPhone 16 Pro. It made the phone so light. It was the reason I preferred the Max version.

 

[macdaddy43]

Going back to aluminum and more cameras for a phone that has taken, arguably, very good photos since the 13? All for the improvements and they are necessary but if that’s the only improvement over the last 4 years it is getting extremely stale… YAWN