Aluminum has a big advantage over both titanium and stainless steel for heat dissipation. Mind you, I always stuff my phones into a big insulator, in the form of a silicone case. 
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iPhone 17 Pro Launching in Two Months With These 16 New Features
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It is always interesting how different people see the same products. Probably because of my focus [yes a bad pun] on the minutiae of camera competence I do not consider the successive iPhone generations to "looks like basically identical."
Just different, not necessarily "a downgraded product." Some buyers will simply prefer thin/light while others will accept thicker/heavier to obtain added camera competence or whatever. And each buyer has his/her own acceptable price points.
I have a 15 Pro and will probably wait for the foldable reportedly coming next year. I think an iPad mini that I can carry in my pocket will be more useful to me than the evolutionary updates in the 17 Pro.
It's looking like that's going to be a dilemma for me. I was all set to purchase a 17 Air assuming reviews from credible reviewers were good, and handling one in an Apple Store sealed the deal.
But... with potential interesting camera improvements in the 17 Pro, I may have to rethink that.
Which they never listen and never will. The appearance that they listen is by chance what they listen aligns with what they want to do anyway. Had Apple listened to anything customer says Apple would probably not what some see what Apple should be: a disruptive company that leads the industry forward with proprietary solutions.
So ok no crease free folding phone. But I don’t get the Samsung producing garbage thing. In some sense Apple is also producing garbage, just better ones that generally lasts long.
Just curiopus. Why do you consider "aluminium frame is a game changer?" To me the material science of each iPhone's design is hella complex, and I do not see why an an aluminum alloy frame this year instead of a titanium alloy frame would be a game changer. Some future iPhone may again use some Ti alloy.
My guess is that evolving Qi/MagSafe design and the material science characteristics of newly available glass types may be more relevant drivers of iPhone design than metal alloys are. The material science characteristics of aluminum and other metal alloys have been known and available to iPhone designers for years.
Note also that I doubt that it will be an aluminum frame; far more likely is that it is an aluminum alloy frame.
I've been thinking the Air myself, coming from a 13PM I don't think I want to live without a tele lens, and at the same time, it is unclear what the 17PM tele lens really will be. For me, less than 5x would be a step backwards...
I would argue that Apple does listen, which is exactly why they are the world's most successful tech company. The fact that many internet dweebs often do not agree with what Apple apparently hears is quite irrelevant.
IMO wait for the new 17 Pros to be available, make a solid platform, set the iPhone to capture RAW and test the new tele. Not how many x it says in some spec, but real-world test. Then edit the stable platform RAW captures on a decent sized display and observe how well you can crop/zoom in for your particular end usage requirements.
Do an identical test with the new Air model if it interests you and compare results for your particular end usage requirements.
That is what I will be doing. And did I mention how critical it is to make a solid platform and set to RAW?
Yeah... I can see that for some types of photography, such as sports, wildlife, nature, etc.
Most of my photography is about hitting up strangers on the street in cities like San Francisco, for a few portraits and conversation. I've found that a 35mm focal length works best for me so that I have some flexibility in including environmental context.
The only drawback at that focal length, and shooting relatively close, is being aware of potential perspective distortion on subjects. And having to move a little further back to keep that under control.
Still... there are times when a decent tele would be good.
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Spot-on. Several times in the past I've written to Craig Federighi at Apple with a suggestion or a concern. And have always received a note back with a thank you in return.
Yup. For me, the thin/light of an Air will not be very compelling, whereas improved tele capture in the Pro will probably be a big deal. But when a folding iPhone with more screen real estate becomes available the which-iPhone decision will likely become much more difficult for me.
Aluminum frame is a feature???
Apple is adding "features" in a salami mode and secretly removing real features.
Just one example; it is not possible - due Apple restrictions - to have a real wifi explorer app to show SSID/BSSID, used channel, signal strength, etc like it is possible on Mac or Android. And many other restrictions.
Maybe its time for Tim to take his hat.
Apple is adding "features" in a salami mode and secretly removing real features.
Just one example; it is not possible - due Apple restrictions - to have a real wifi explorer app to show SSID/BSSID, used channel, signal strength, etc like it is possible on Mac or Android. And many other restrictions.
Maybe its time for Tim to take his hat.
i might trade in the 16 pro max for it...but i want to see the event and hands on before i fullly decide. If the rumors are true and the Fold comes out in the spring instead of next fall (ive heard conflicting rumors to that) then obviouly just wait for the fold.
Even if i do end up trading in the 16PM for the 17PM, i still intend on trading in that one for the fold when ever it comes out so it just makes sense to see what up with the keynote and the hands on videos.
Im more curious about the Apple Watch Ultra 2, Ipad Pros and even the rumored airpod pros 3
Even if i do end up trading in the 16PM for the 17PM, i still intend on trading in that one for the fold when ever it comes out so it just makes sense to see what up with the keynote and the hands on videos.
Im more curious about the Apple Watch Ultra 2, Ipad Pros and even the rumored airpod pros 3
Well, I shoot in raw on my DSLR which is my main camera, proraw is not quite raw, but certainly better than heic or leave alone jpeg.
But, I use my phone much more of a "snap" camera on most occasions. Of course it has the advantage of always being with me as oppose to my DSLR and while I've played around enough with proraw as well as 3rd part camera apps, I cannot be bothered shooting in raw on my phone barring very rare occasions.
But I agree that i will for one explore the actual specs and most likely do a hands on before deciding whether or not to upgrade my 13PM. Except, if there were a 4th camera
I do see that. My main object is nature and wildlife and then my children (I consider my pets as my children as my real children are going into their 30
).Options is a good thing.
Apple's iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max should launch in late September, and there are plenty of rumors about the devices.
Below, we recap key changes rumored for the iPhone 17 Pro models, as of July 2025:
Check out our iPhone 17 Pro roundup to learn more.
- Aluminum frame: iPhone 17 Pro models are rumored to have an aluminum frame, whereas the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro models have a titanium frame, and the iPhone X through iPhone 14 Pro have a stainless steel frame. The back of the devices will supposedly have a new "part-aluminum, part-glass" design.
- Anti-reflective display: While it has been an on-again, off-again rumor, the latest word is that iPhone 17 Pro models will feature an anti-reflect display option with a matte finish. Perhaps this will be the same nano-texture glass option that is available for the iMac, MacBook Pro, and iPad Pro.
- Dynamic Island changes: It has been rumored that all iPhone 17 models will have a redesigned Dynamic Island interface — it might also be smaller.
- Rectangular camera bump: iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to have a large rectangular camera bump with rounded corners. Apple apparently plans to stick with a triangular arrangement for the rear camera lenses.
- Orange/Copper finish: A new copper-like color option is expected for the iPhone 17 Pro models, along with Dark Blue.
- Longer battery life: The iPhone 17 Pro Max is rumored to have a slightly thicker design that allows for a larger battery. The iPhone 17 Pro Max will apparently surpass the 5,000 mAh battery capacity mark.
- A19 Pro chip: iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to use Apple's next-generation A19 Pro chip, which will reportedly be manufactured with TSMC's newer third-generation 3nm process. Like usual, expect modest year-over-year performance gains and power efficiency improvements compared to the current iPhones.
- 12GB of RAM: iPhone 17 Pro models, and even the iPhone 17 Air, are rumored to have 12GB of RAM. This upgrade should help to improve the performance of Apple Intelligence and multitasking. All four iPhone 16 models have 8GB of RAM.
- 25W wireless charging: iPhone 17 Pro models will likely support up to 25W wireless charging speeds with a wide variety of Qi 2.2 chargers. On the iPhone 16 models, 25W can only be achieved with Apple's latest MagSafe Charger.
- Apple-designed Wi-Fi 7 chip: All four iPhone 17 models are rumored to get a Wi-Fi 7 chip designed by Apple rather than Broadcom.
- 24-megapixel front camera: All four iPhone 17 models are said to feature an upgraded 24-megapixel front-facing camera, whereas all iPhone 16 models are equipped with a 12-megapixel front-facing camera.
- 48-megapixel rear Telephoto camera: An upgraded 48-megapixel Telephoto camera is rumored for the iPhone 17 Pro models, up from the 12-megapixel Telephoto camera on iPhone 16 Pro models.
- Dual video recording: According to Jon Prosser, of the YouTube channel Front Page Tech, the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will allow users to record video with the front and rear cameras simultaneously in the Camera app.
- 8K video recording: Apple allegedly tested 8K video recording on the iPhone 16 Pro models, but such functionality is still not available. With the iPhone 17 Pro models expected to have entirely 48-megapixel rear cameras, perhaps 8K video recording will debut on those devices.
- Vapor chamber cooling: All four iPhone 17 models are rumored to feature internal design changes that result in better heat dissipation. A vapor chamber cooling system has been rumored for the Pro models specifically.
- Apple logo repositioned: Apple's logo may have a lower position on the back of the iPhone 17 Pro models, compared to previous models, and the layout of the MagSafe magnets may change as a result.
Article Link: iPhone 17 Pro Launching in Two Months With These 16 New Features
I’d rather have a camera bump that is flushed with the phone; as the tech improves the phone & camera shouldn’t the camera get smaller? Other than slight upgrades in ram, memory, Dynamic Island, non reflective display, either redesigned a slimmer phone or just push updates until a redesign is needed (every 2-4 years). I’m good with that. In fact that will create necessity and build anticipation.
Apple's iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max should launch in late September, and there are plenty of rumors about the devices.
Below, we recap key changes rumored for the iPhone 17 Pro models, as of July 2025:
Check out our iPhone 17 Pro roundup to learn more.
- Aluminum frame: iPhone 17 Pro models are rumored to have an aluminum frame, whereas the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro models have a titanium frame, and the iPhone X through iPhone 14 Pro have a stainless steel frame. The back of the devices will supposedly have a new "part-aluminum, part-glass" design.
- Anti-reflective display: While it has been an on-again, off-again rumor, the latest word is that iPhone 17 Pro models will feature an anti-reflect display option with a matte finish. Perhaps this will be the same nano-texture glass option that is available for the iMac, MacBook Pro, and iPad Pro.
- Dynamic Island changes: It has been rumored that all iPhone 17 models will have a redesigned Dynamic Island interface — it might also be smaller.
- Rectangular camera bump: iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to have a large rectangular camera bump with rounded corners. Apple apparently plans to stick with a triangular arrangement for the rear camera lenses.
- Orange/Copper finish: A new copper-like color option is expected for the iPhone 17 Pro models, along with Dark Blue.
- Longer battery life: The iPhone 17 Pro Max is rumored to have a slightly thicker design that allows for a larger battery. The iPhone 17 Pro Max will apparently surpass the 5,000 mAh battery capacity mark.
- A19 Pro chip: iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to use Apple's next-generation A19 Pro chip, which will reportedly be manufactured with TSMC's newer third-generation 3nm process. Like usual, expect modest year-over-year performance gains and power efficiency improvements compared to the current iPhones.
- 12GB of RAM: iPhone 17 Pro models, and even the iPhone 17 Air, are rumored to have 12GB of RAM. This upgrade should help to improve the performance of Apple Intelligence and multitasking. All four iPhone 16 models have 8GB of RAM.
- 25W wireless charging: iPhone 17 Pro models will likely support up to 25W wireless charging speeds with a wide variety of Qi 2.2 chargers. On the iPhone 16 models, 25W can only be achieved with Apple's latest MagSafe Charger.
- Apple-designed Wi-Fi 7 chip: All four iPhone 17 models are rumored to get a Wi-Fi 7 chip designed by Apple rather than Broadcom.
- 24-megapixel front camera: All four iPhone 17 models are said to feature an upgraded 24-megapixel front-facing camera, whereas all iPhone 16 models are equipped with a 12-megapixel front-facing camera.
- 48-megapixel rear Telephoto camera: An upgraded 48-megapixel Telephoto camera is rumored for the iPhone 17 Pro models, up from the 12-megapixel Telephoto camera on iPhone 16 Pro models.
- Dual video recording: According to Jon Prosser, of the YouTube channel Front Page Tech, the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will allow users to record video with the front and rear cameras simultaneously in the Camera app.
- 8K video recording: Apple allegedly tested 8K video recording on the iPhone 16 Pro models, but such functionality is still not available. With the iPhone 17 Pro models expected to have entirely 48-megapixel rear cameras, perhaps 8K video recording will debut on those devices.
- Vapor chamber cooling: All four iPhone 17 models are rumored to feature internal design changes that result in better heat dissipation. A vapor chamber cooling system has been rumored for the Pro models specifically.
- Apple logo repositioned: Apple's logo may have a lower position on the back of the iPhone 17 Pro models, compared to previous models, and the layout of the MagSafe magnets may change as a result.
Article Link: iPhone 17 Pro Launching in Two Months With These 16 New Features
If it is for the sake of reducing weight, I'm in favor for this "downgrade".
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I’m sure they will have back glass protectors for the 17PM. I have them for the 15PM that look just like the screen protectors except for the back.
Will be a worthwhile upgrade for a lot of professionals and small business owners, if the rumors are correct about 12gb ram, larger optical zoom range, improved cooling and increased battery life.
Regarding "I cannot be bothered shooting in raw on my phone" just set the iPhone to RAW, it is easy and captures better image data.Well, I shoot in raw on my DSLR which is my main camera, proraw is not quite raw, but certainly better than heic or leave alone jpeg.
But, I use my phone much more of a "snap" camera on most occasions. Of course it has the advantage of always being with me as oppose to my DSLR and while I've played around enough with proraw as well as 3rd part camera apps, I cannot be bothered shooting in raw on my phone barring very rare occasions.
But I agree that i will for one explore the actual specs and most likely do a hands on before deciding whether or not to upgrade my 13PM. Except, if there were a 4th camera
Looks like the recent iPhone updates have really boosted your workflow. For me, though, I’m not into photography or videography, so most of those changes don’t really affect how I use my iPhone. Features you mentioned, like picture search and fittness tracking are things I already had through the apps I use. Crash detection and satellite communication are definitely nice to have, but they don’t really change my day-to-day experience with the phone,still, it’s good to know they’re there.