1. Aluminum frame

Unlike recent models that featured titanium (iPhone 15 Pro and 16 Pro) or stainless steel (iPhone X to 14 Pro), the iPhone 17 Pro is expected to switch to an aluminum frame. The back design is rumored to combine aluminum with a partial glass section at the Apple logo, integrated into the metal body, according to leaker Majin Bu.

2. Rectangular camera module

Apple may replace the current square camera design with a rounded rectangular module. Despite the new shape, the signature triangular three-lens layout will remain.

The camera bar's expansion is reportedly due to the inclusion of a new 48MP telephoto lens, replacing the current 12MP unit. This required Apple to vertically align the telephoto lens, shifting the LiDAR scanner to the outer edge alongside the flash and microphone.

3. More scratch-resistant display

The iPhone 17 Pro’s display may feature a new anti-reflective coating that enhances scratch resistance. It’s unclear whether Apple will use Corning’s Gorilla Glass Armor (as on the Galaxy S24 Ultra), but the described durability aligns with Corning’s latest tech.

4. Larger battery

The Pro Max model is expected to have a slightly thicker body - 8.725mm compared to 8.25mm on the iPhone 16 Pro Max - to accommodate a larger battery, improving usage time.

Apple is also rumored to be testing 7.5W reverse wireless charging, allowing users to power AirPods, Apple Watches, and other devices using their iPhone 17 Pro.

5. A19 Pro chip

The iPhone 17 Pro lineup will be powered by Apple’s A19 Pro chip, built on TSMC’s third-generation 3nm process. As usual, expect modest performance boosts and better power efficiency over the previous generation.

6. Apple-designed Wi-Fi 7 chip

All four iPhone 17 models are expected to feature Apple’s in-house Wi-Fi 7 chip, moving away from Broadcom. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes this shift will reduce costs and improve connectivity. Earlier predictions suggested only the Pro models would get the new chip, but the latest leaks suggest a full-line rollout.

7. 24MP front camera

The selfie camera across all iPhone 17 models will be upgraded to 24MP from the current 12MP. This will enable sharper selfies and allow for better image quality during cropping and editing.

8. 48MP telephoto lens

The telephoto lens on the iPhone 17 Pro will reportedly jump from 12MP to 48MP. According to Ming-Chi Kuo, this new sensor will measure 1/2.6 inches - larger than the 1/3.1-inch sensor on the iPhone 16 Pro.

9. Dual-camera video recording

YouTubers and TikTokers rejoice: the iPhone 17 Pro will allow simultaneous recording from front and rear cameras directly within the Camera app.

This native feature, useful for vlogs or reaction-style videos, will allow viewers to see both the subject and the recorder’s face in real time. Though not new (Samsung introduced similar features in the Galaxy S21), its integration into Apple’s native app will be a major draw for creators.

10. 8K video recording

After testing 8K video on the iPhone 16 Pro, Apple is now expected to officially support it on the iPhone 17 Pro. With all rear cameras at 48MP, the capability is finally within reach.

While still niche, 8K video allows creators to crop, zoom, and stabilize in post-production without losing resolution - making it a potentially powerful tool.

11. 12GB RAM

Initial leaks pointed to 12GB of RAM on just the iPhone 17 Pro Max, but now the same upgrade is expected for the 17 Pro as well. That’s a significant bump from the 8GB in the 16 series, helping improve multitasking and support for Apple Intelligence features.

12. Improved thermal system

All iPhone 17 models will reportedly undergo internal redesigns to enhance cooling. The Pro models, specifically, may use a vapor chamber cooling system - a staple in many high-end Android phones.

This system disperses heat more evenly, minimizing performance drops during intensive use, and is especially valuable in slim, compact devices.

As per Apple’s usual release schedule, the iPhone 17 series - including the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, and the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air - is expected to debut in September 2025.

Hai Phong