The ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air, which has the potential to be a huge smash, is going to cause Apple to take a serious hit. However, what about the premium Pro models from Apple? The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will have these seven additional features in September. 

24MP front-facing camera

The iPhone's cameras get better every year, and the iPhone 17 Pro is expected to feature a significant upgrade to the front-facing camera. Apple is rumored to be implementing a 24-megapixel sensor, which would be a substantial improvement over current models. This upgrade would deliver sharper selfies, better video calling quality, and enhanced performance in low-light conditions. The increased resolution would also support more advanced computational photography features and improved Face ID accuracy.

A19 Pro chip

Apple will once again upgrade its new iPhones with the latest silicon technology. The A19 Pro chip is expected to be built on an advanced 3nm process node, delivering significant improvements in both performance and energy efficiency. This new processor will likely feature enhanced AI capabilities, faster graphics processing, and better power management. The chip will be crucial for supporting Apple Intelligence features and demanding applications like augmented reality and professional video editing on mobile devices.

12GB RAM, the most ever in an iPhone

The advent of AI has made RAM in Apple's devices more critical than ever before. The iPhone 17 Pro is rumored to include 12GB of RAM, which would be the highest amount ever included in an iPhone. This substantial memory upgrade will support more sophisticated AI processing, better multitasking capabilities, and improved performance when running memory-intensive applications. The additional RAM will also help ensure smooth operation of Apple Intelligence features and provide better future-proofing for upcoming iOS updates.

Apple's in-house Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip

Apple has for years been working on developing its own wireless connectivity solutions to reduce dependence on third-party suppliers. The iPhone 17 Pro is expected to feature Apple's first in-house Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip. This custom silicon would allow Apple to have greater control over power efficiency, integration with other components, and the implementation of proprietary features. The move could result in better battery life, improved wireless performance, and tighter integration with the Apple ecosystem.

Larger 'rectangular' camera bump

iPhone 17 Pro renders from various sources suggest a larger, more rectangular camera bump design. This change would accommodate upgraded camera sensors and additional hardware for enhanced photography capabilities. The larger camera system is expected to house improved telephoto lenses, better image stabilization technology, and possibly new sensor technologies. While the design change might make the phone slightly thicker in the camera area, it should deliver significant improvements in photo and video quality.

Updated design with aluminum, and possibly Sky Blue

This is an especially curious development in the iPhone 17 Pro rumors. Apple is reportedly considering a shift from the premium stainless steel or titanium construction to a high-grade aluminum build for certain models. Additionally, a new Sky Blue color option has been mentioned in various leaks. The aluminum construction could help reduce weight while maintaining durability, and the new color would expand Apple's palette of premium finishes for the Pro line.

Improved cooling with vapor chamber

As processors become more powerful and AI features more demanding, thermal management becomes increasingly important. The iPhone 17 Pro is rumored to include an improved cooling system featuring a vapor chamber design. This advanced cooling solution would help maintain optimal performance during intensive tasks, prevent thermal throttling, and ensure consistent performance during extended use. Better cooling would be particularly beneficial for gaming, video recording, and AI processing tasks.

Best iPhone accessories

To complement the iPhone 17 Pro's advanced features, several accessories will enhance the user experience. AirPods Pro 2 offer excellent audio quality and seamless integration. MagSafe accessories provide convenient wireless charging and mounting options. Professional camera accessories like lens attachments and gimbals can take advantage of the improved camera system. High-quality cases and screen protectors will be essential to protect the investment in this premium device.

iPhone 17 Pro Max Launch Date and Price (Expected)

Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series in September 2025, following the company's traditional annual release schedule. The iPhone 17 Pro is likely to start at a price point similar to current Pro models, though the significant hardware upgrades might justify a modest price increase. The exact pricing will depend on storage configurations and final feature sets. Pre-orders would typically begin shortly after the announcement, with general availability following within a week or two.

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24MP front-facing camera

The iPhone’s cameras get better every year, but often Apple’s big improvements focus on the rear cameras. With the full iPhone 17 line, though, Apple will upgrade the front camera from a 12MP sensor to a brand-new 24MP sensor, which should bring big improvements. It’s about time for the selfie camera to get closer in quality to the iPhone’s rear camera.

A19Pro  chip

Apple will once again upgrade its new iPhones with a new and improved A-series chip. This year that will be the A19 Pro chip. Apple’s very best silicon will be reserved exclusively for the 17 Pro and Pro Max. Though the new 17 Air model is expected to win over a lot of Pro users, it will feature the standard A19 chip just like the base iPhone 17.

12GB RAM, the most ever in an iPhone

The advent of AI has made RAM in Apple’s devices increasingly important. iPhone 15 owners know this better than anyone, since RAM limitations made the device incompatible with Apple Intelligence. Apple plans to give its 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max models 12GB of RAM—the most ever in an iPhone. This is a nice 50% improvement from the 16 Pro’s 8GB of RAM. Rumors are still unclear regarding whether the standard iPhone 17 and 17 Air will get 12GB too, but it’s definitely coming to the Pro line.

Apple’s in-house Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip

Apple has for years been working on developing two of its own modems: one for 5G, and one for Wi-Fi. The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are expected to use Apple’s new combo Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip, and possibly the rest of the lineup too. Only the 17 Air, however, will get Apple’s new C1 modem, with the Pro models sticking with Qualcomm’s solution for another year.

Larger ‘rectangular’ camera bump

iPhone 17 Pro render from kanedacane

Source: kanedacane

Like Apple did with this year’s 16 Pro models, the company is ready to double down on its Pro line as being especially optimized for camera use. The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will reportedly boast a ‘larger rectangular camera bump.’ Presumably this will enable some new benefit. It sounds like the top portion of the Pro models may feature a full-width aluminum design. The bottom half, however, will retain its standard glass back for wireless charging.The camera system is expected to receive a massive overhaul. Reports suggest a triple 48-megapixel setup on the rear, including a telephoto lens with 3.5x optical zoom and up to 7x lossless zoom. One outstanding new feature could be 8K video recording and the front camera might see a jump to 24-megapixel, paired with dual video recording from both front and rear lenses.

Upate design with aluminum, and possibly Sky Blue

This is an especially curious one: the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are getting a redesigned frame, with aluminum replacing titanium. Apple just recently introduced titanium to the iPhone’s Pro models in 2023, so the shift to aluminum is interesting. We’ll have to wait to hear Apple’s reasoning for the transition. One potential benefit of the change is that it could open the door to more fun color variation than we’ve had in a while, with Sky Blue one rumored new option.

Improved cooling with vapor chamber

Apple Intelligence Chinese launch remains problematic as talks continue | Illustration of circuit board with AI chip Finally, the full lineup is expected to get improved cooling systems, with the iPhone 17 Pro Max exclusively boasting a vapor chamber plus graphite sheet. No doubt this move is a reflection of Apple Intelligence’s importance to the iPhone’s future. AI not only requires more powerful chips and extra RAM but also better cooling to maintain max performance.

 

iPhone 17 Pro features: wrap-up

This list of iPhone 17 Pro features reiterates my belief that this year’s purchase decision will be harder than ever. The ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air sounds very exciting. But there might just be too many sacrifices Pro users would have to make to switch over. Which iPhone 17 Pro features are you most excited about? Do you plan to buy the 17 Air or stick with the Pro? Let us know in the comments.

Best iPhone accessories

AirPods Pro 2 (now only $199, down from $249)

Anker 100W charging brick for fast charging

10-year AirTag battery case

MagSafe Car Mount for iPhone

HomeKit smart plug 4-pack

iPhone 17 Pro Max Launch Date and Price (Expected)