iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max: Top 5 Upgrades Coming in 2025
Apple is gearing up to launch the iPhone 17 series later this year, expected around mid-September 2025. This lineup will include the standard iPhone 17, an all-new iPhone 17 Air, and two high-end models: the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. If you’re holding out for Apple’s next big thing, check out these five major upgrades that rumors suggest Apple will bring to the premium iPhone 17 Pro models.
1. Redesigned Rear Camera Bump Inspired by Google Pixel
The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are said to feature a completely reimagined camera bump. According to leaked CAD renders, Apple may adopt a horizontal camera bar spanning the back of the phone—similar to the Google Pixel’s design. This design will retain the triple-lens setup on the left while relocating the LiDAR scanner, microphone, and flash to the right for better symmetry.
Aside from aesthetics, the wider camera bump could improve thermal performance, sensor accuracy, and internal component arrangement. The bump is expected to match the device’s chassis color, giving it a sleeker, more unified look.
2. 48MP Telephoto Lens for Enhanced Zoom and Video
Apple will likely upgrade the Telephoto lens in the iPhone 17 Pro models to a 48-megapixel sensor, up from 12MP. This change would complete a triple 48MP camera system, joining the existing 48MP Main and Ultra Wide lenses.
There are also rumors that all three lenses will support 8K video recording, giving content creators massive flexibility. Recording in 8K would allow users to crop footage by 50% while still retaining full 4K quality.
3. Sharper Selfies with a 24MP Front Camera
The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are expected to receive a major front camera upgrade. The rumored 24MP sensor with a six-element plastic lens would double the resolution of the current 12MP camera.
This boost will make selfies and video calls crisper, with more detail and greater flexibility for cropping and editing—especially beneficial for vloggers and mobile content creators.
4. New Part-Aluminum, Part-Glass Frame
Apple is reportedly moving away from titanium in favor of a more sustainable aluminum frame. This decision aligns with Apple’s environmental goals, as aluminum has a lower carbon footprint.
Design-wise, the rear panel will combine materials: the top half will feature aluminum housing the new rectangular camera bump, while the bottom half will remain glass to maintain wireless charging support.
5. A19 Pro Chip with Vapor Chamber Cooling
Apple plans to power the iPhone 17 Pro models with the new A19 Pro chip, and TSMC uses its advanced N3P 3nm process to manufacture it. This next-generation chip promises better power efficiency and performance.
The Apple reportedly plans to add vapor chamber cooling to the devices, which will improve heat dissipation and reduce thermal throttling during demanding tasks like gaming and video editing.
Final Thoughts
With these exciting upgrades, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are shaping up to be Apple’s most innovative flagship devices yet. Stay tuned for more updates as the official release approaches.
