iPhone 17 Pro Launching Later This Year With These 10 New Features

[johnsawyercjs]

If aluminum for iPhone housings was going to lead to BendGate 2.0, it would have already done so in the non-Pro iPhones that have been released for the past few years. Apple switched to a stronger aluminum after the iPhone 6, and redesigned the housing to eliminate the weak spots that contributed to its bending.

The real issue with aluminum, as far as I’m concerned, is that it scratches and scuffs a lot more easily than titanium. Truly unforgivable, since even though I put my iPhones into a case, the idea that they could be scratched and scuffed without one is an absolute nightmare.

But somehow, I will survive. I learned how from the penguins.

 

[johnsawyercjs]

I think it would look better if the larger camera bump/area matched the color of the phone.

Yeah, if the rumors are true that the bigger bump will also be black or some other dark color, why would Apple emphasize something that most people have already said they don't like?

 

[svish]

Very happy to hear about the improved front facing camera along with the triple 48 megapixel back camera. With the 48 megapixel telephoto lens, hoping that the 17 Pro Max can take 10x optical zoom like quality photos. More RAM on the Pro model will be good. Waiting to hear about the colors.

 

[subjonas]

From the 12 or 13 pro onwards, there has been no meaningful change in iPhones.

As far as I can remember, there have only been 9 meaningful individual changes in the history of the iPhone that made me want to upgrade: Retina display, front camera, Siri, Touch ID, NFC (Apple Pay), UWB (Keys), telephoto camera, macro camera, and satellite communication (some iPhones contained multiple of these changes in a single generation). All other changes I either didn’t care for or the improvements were incremental, none of which alone could make me upgrade, only cumulatively.

But to be fair, Android phones haven’t done any better for me. This is just the way it is broadly—there can’t be unwavering significant change year after year for any product category. There will be lulls and tapering at the end. I’m not even sure why that’s such a bad thing. I’m not searching for reasons to spend more money. Unless there is a particular feature(s) one really needs.

 

[johnsawyercjs]

Companies like to brag about “aircraft grade aluminium” while conveniently leaving out that drink cans also meet this mark.

Soda cans aren't made of aircraft-grade aluminum alloys. Far from it.

 

[arvinsim]

Sad but I have to accept that the iPhone will just be incremental upgrades year to year.

 

[johnsawyercjs]

That would be nice. I wonder what new tech they'll need to get as good or better cameras but without the bump. I suspect they'll get there someday.

Metalenses are supposedly the next leap in camera optics that might allow smartphone camera bumps to disappear. They bend light using nano-etched patterns on thin substrates. They're still in the works for high-quality cameras.

 

[Sammy007]

While the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are not expected to launch until September, there are already plenty of rumors about the devices.

iPhone 17 Pro's alleged design via Front Page Tech​

Below, we recap key changes rumored for the iPhone 17 Pro models as of March 2025:

• 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.
• 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.
• More scratch-resistant display: iPhone 17 Pro screens are rumored to have a new anti-reflective coating that increases scratch resistance compared to previous models.
• Larger battery: The iPhone 17 Pro Max is rumored to have a slightly thicker design that allows for a larger battery.
• 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.
• 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.
• 12GB of RAM: An increased 12GB of RAM was initially rumored exclusively for the iPhone 17 Pro Max, but later the iPhone 17 Pro as well. This upgrade should help to improve the performance of Apple Intelligence and multitasking. All four iPhone 16 models have 8GB of RAM.
  Improved 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.

Bookmark our iPhone 17 Pro roundup to stay up to date with more rumors.

Article Link: iPhone 17 Pro Launching Later This Year With These 10 New Features

The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are shaping up to be, shall we say, a masterclass in underwhelming innovation. Let’s dive into the ocean of irony, shall we?

First, Apple’s decision to ditch the titanium body introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max in favor of an aluminum frame is a head-scratcher2. Titanium, known for its strength and lightweight properties, was a significant upgrade. Even the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max, along with the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max, boasted stainless steel frames4. But now, Apple seems to be taking a step back, as if saying, “Why move forward when we can moonwalk into mediocrity?”

Then there’s the camera bump—a design choice so bold it borders on avant-garde absurdity. The rectangular camera bump with rounded corners is not only larger but also retains the same triangular lens layout5. It’s as if the designer was inspired by abstract art but forgot that functionality and aesthetics should coexist. The result? A camera bump so wide and awkward that it could double as a conversation starter—“Hey, is that a phone or a modern art exhibit?”

Battery-wise, Apple offers a slightly larger battery, but it’s still the same old lithium-ion technology7. Meanwhile, competitors are exploring solid-state batteries and other advanced options. It’s like showing up to a Formula 1 race with a horse-drawn carriage—charming, but not exactly cutting-edge.

And let’s not forget the A19 chip. Yes, it’s built on the third-generation 3nm process, just like the A189. While Apple touts modest performance and efficiency gains, it’s hardly the leap forward one would expect from a company that prides itself on innovation. It’s more of a “meh” than a “wow.”

In summary, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max seem to be a downgrade wrapped in a shiny package. Apple appears to be banking on brand loyalty rather than delivering groundbreaking advancements. Perhaps they should consider rebranding their slogan to “Think Different… or Don’t Think at All.”

 

[1rottenapple]

honestly just skip release to every other year. Performance wise no one will notice year to year changes. They iPhone announces bit like a thud these these and hearing Tim Cook feign excitement man. We need a different pitch man.

 

[johnsawyercjs]

You can swipe to switch apps on iOS. Just horizontally swipe the home bar at the bottom of the screen.

Good gravy, I didn't realize that. Thanks!

 

[delsoul]

I usually get excited about new releases, but sad to say, I nearly just scrolled past this thread because it doesn’t even catch my interest anymore. Looking at what’s “new”, it really just seems more of the same. I’ll just keep my 16pm and when it’s time to replace it, we’ll see if Apple has actually released something fresh and exciting, or if it’s time to start looking at Huawei, Google, etc for a different experience.

 

[1rottenapple]

Me: “I hope they have cool iPhone 17 colors”

 

[1rottenapple]

I usually get excited about new releases, but sad to say, I nearly just scrolled past this thread because it doesn’t even catch my interest anymore. Looking at what’s “new”, it really just seems more of the same. I’ll just keep my 16pm and when it’s time to replace it, we’ll see if Apple has actually released something fresh and exciting, or if it’s time to start looking at Huawei, Google, etc for a different experience.

I just like the articles and videos and MacRumors reactions as to how underwhelming the new release is lol it’s literally a new industry to generate content, not on iPhone superiority but how new models are lacking.

 

[groovatious]

Here's a novel idea...more personalized Siri.

 

[Veinticinco]

Seeing this makes me glad I took advantage of AT&T giving me a free iPhone 16 Pro as an upgrade to my IP13Pro that they also paid for.

Got some news for you. Might want to sit down first…

 

[Veinticinco]

Is iPhone 17 pro built for apple Intelligence?

In terms of technical specs, I’m built for a Nobel Prize and Olympic gold medal.

 

[giebe]

We are simply already at peak phone innovation. AI should be the next big thing to sell phones since cameras and megapixel don’t change much anymore. AI is underwhelming and not even released as promised. So nothing innovative to expect.

 

[Veinticinco]

I currently have an iPhone 15 Pro Max.

I’d rather spend my money on an AVP than buy a 17 “upgrade”. That’s how depressingly underwhelming that “feature” list is.

The New Apple iPhone 17. Plus ça change.

 

[dzankizakon]

I have an iPhone 16 Pro so I most likely won't be upgrading but the downgrade to the aluminum chasis really stands out.

 

[Veinticinco]

We are simply already at peak phone innovation.

So nothing innovative to expect.

That’s the spirit!

Or how about utilising next gen silicon-carbon batteries in a non-anorexic standard form factor? Make it slightly thicker even if only to make the phone flush fit and eliminate the ugly AF camera array HUMP (as the 17 no longer has a mere bump)?

Or remove the laughably named “Dynamic Island” (and likewise the evil Notch on MacBooks) and implement under screen Face/Touch ID?

No, you’re right. Technology has peaked. Let’s just settle for some new colours eh.

 

[ddhhddhh2]

Why on gods green earth would we go back to aluminum that makes no sense

Starting to sound like a broken record here with that grotesque camera bump:
- The flash will cast shadows that don’t match the lens
- The mic can’t support audio mix
- The LiDAR has to be as close as possible to the lens so that they read info from the same POV
- The extra material for that long ass bar will cost Apple a lot
- Your fingers will naturally cover the lidar, flash and mic while you use it in landscape
- Titanium is already perfect and aluminum is a step back
- Two-tone materials just look bad and cost more
- There isn’t a single benefit to this design whatsoever (the lenses still protrude past the camera bump, so it will still rock on tables)

Actually, rocking on the table is free — canceling it might cost extra.

 

[derdante]

Unapologetically Aluminum.

 

[Veinticinco]

Companies like to brag about “aircraft grade aluminium” while conveniently leaving out that drink cans also meet this mark.

Hiduminium. Ever hear of it?

 

[Veinticinco]

Unapologetically Aluminum.

At least Ive could spell and pronounce the word correctly

 

[User 6502]

Why on gods green earth would we go back to aluminum that makes no sense

Starting to sound like a broken record here with that grotesque camera bump:
- The flash will cast shadows that don’t match the lens
- The mic can’t support audio mix
- The LiDAR has to be as close as possible to the lens so that they read info from the same POV
- The extra material for that long ass bar will cost Apple a lot
- Your fingers will naturally cover the lidar, flash and mic while you use it in landscape
- Titanium is already perfect and aluminum is a step back
- Two-tone materials just look bad and cost more
- There isn’t a single benefit to this design whatsoever (the lenses still protrude past the camera bump, so it will still rock on tables)

I agree on most points, but aluminium is NOT a step back. Steel and Titanium were marketing ploys, but aluminium is a far better material for smartphones as it has a better thermal conductivity and lower density, so it makes the phone lighter. It was a bit silly that the pro phones had a worse material. Not as silly as having a pro line, but close enough.