Top 10 features coming to the iPhone 17 Pro

Apple is set to unveil the iPhone 17 lineup this September, including the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max. Here are 10 features most likely to define the upcoming flagship models.

This roundup doesn’t represent the final list of features for Apple’s upcoming flagship — it reflects the most credible reports from analysts and insiders, who are piecing together likely upgrades based on internal sources and supply chain leaks.

The Big One: A New Design

One of the most anticipated changes is the redesigned exterior of the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max (with 6.3" and 6.9" displays, respectively).

The most noticeable change will likely be a new rectangular camera plate with rounded corners, stretching across the entire width of the device.

In addition to the new shape, Apple is reportedly planning to bring back an aluminum frame, replacing the titanium used in the iPhone 15 Pro and 16 Pro, and the stainless steel found from the iPhone X through the iPhone 14 Pro.

There may also be changes to the back panel: a new design could combine aluminum and glass, with the Apple logo shifting slightly downward, along with a new placement for the MagSafe magnets.

A new flagship color is also expected. Multiple sources suggest a sky blue or deep blue finish, and some leaks hint at a copper-orange option for the Pro Max. Camera ring leaks seem to support this.

So far, rumored colors include black, gray, silver, navy blue, and orange.

A slightly faster chip — as usual

Last year’s hardware upgrade brought modest performance gains: 15% for the CPU and 20% for the GPU. The upcoming A19 Pro chip will reportedly continue that trend, offering small boosts in speed and efficiency.

Experts explain that the limited performance gains are due to most users not fully taxing their devices. The A19 Pro is expected to use a third-generation 3nm process.

• Even the current iPhone 16 Pro Max can easily handle high-end games without stuttering.

This one’s actually useful — more RAM

As always, Apple will likely boast about having the “most powerful mobile chip ever.” But this time, they’ll also upgrade the RAM: from 8GB to 12GB.

• This could significantly improve multitasking and support for upcoming AI features.

Apple-made Wi-Fi chip

Apple typically refreshes communication chips each year. The current Pro models already support Wi-Fi 7 with MIMO technology.

• Reports suggest that while the new models will still offer Wi-Fi 7, the chip will be Apple’s own — not from Broadcom.

Better heat dissipation

Apple is reportedly redesigning the internal layout of all iPhone 17 models to address overheating issues from previous generations.

For the first time, the Pro models may include vapor chamber cooling — replacing the graphite sheets used in the past.

• This change is also expected to improve charging efficiency.

Better battery life — at least on the Max
Apple appears to be moving toward 5,000 mAh batteries, as seen in many Chinese smartphones. The iPhone 16 Pro Max increased battery capacity to 4,685 mAh from 4,422 mAh in the 15 Pro Max.

The 17 Pro Max is expected to go further, thanks to a slightly thicker body. The exact capacity remains unknown. As for the standard 17 Pro, battery life may remain the same.

Faster wireless charging
The Pro models are also expected to support faster MagSafe charging, with a redesigned charging unit to match.

Finally? A better selfie camera

The front-facing camera has lagged behind for years. One of the most anticipated upgrades is a new 24MP front camera, replacing the current 12MP.

Some experts believe this upgrade will appear across the entire iPhone 17 lineup, though others think it may remain exclusive to the Pro models.

A new telephoto lens

The current 12MP telephoto lens is set to be replaced by a 48MP version in the iPhone 17 Pro. Some reports also suggest improvements in aperture and low-light performance.

• The upgrade should noticeably improve image quality in both bright and low-light conditions.

New video recording features

Beyond hardware, Apple is expected to introduce new video capabilities. Pro models will reportedly be able to record simultaneously using the front and one of the rear cameras.

Support for 8K video is also on the table. According to insiders, Apple tested this for the iPhone 16 Pro but didn’t include it in the final release.

• Now that all main cameras are expected to be 48MP, 8K recording seems much more likely.