Apple's upcoming iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max are expected to feature major camera upgrades, setting a new benchmark for mobile photography and videography.

While the official launch of the iPhone 17 lineup is still months away, leaks and prototype models have offered early insights into the upcoming changes - especially in the camera department.

All iPhone 17 models get a front camera upgrade

All four iPhone 17 models launching in 2025 are rumored to receive a significant front camera upgrade, jumping from 12MP to 24MP. This enhanced resolution will allow for more detailed selfies, better performance in low-light conditions, and the ability to crop images without noticeable quality loss.

iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max: major rear camera overhaul

For the first time, both iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max will be equipped with three 48MP rear cameras: a main 48MP Fusion lens, a 48MP ultra-wide lens (first seen in the iPhone 16 Pro), and a new 48MP Telephoto lens powered by Tetraprism technology. The new Telephoto camera is positioned as the standout camera feature of 2025.

With the higher resolution, users will be able to zoom in further on Telephoto shots while preserving sharp details. Apple is also placing a marketing emphasis on video capabilities this year. Both Pro models will support 8K video recording, up from 4K on the iPhone 16 Pro. A dual-camera video feature may also be introduced, allowing simultaneous recording with the front and rear cameras-ideal for content creation and social media.

Some rumors suggest Apple is introducing mechanical aperture adjustment for the first time, giving users manual control over light intake. This shift from fixed aperture could allow more creative control over depth of field and exposure, expanding photography potential.

Redesigned camera module

In addition to hardware upgrades, the camera layout is changing. Instead of the traditional square bump, the Pro models will feature a horizontal camera bar. Lenses will still form a triangular arrangement, positioned close together, while the LED flash, microphone, and LiDAR scanner move to the right side of the bar.

According to X user @Mia_Kacurage, Apple may increase sensor size for better image quality. To accommodate this without moving sensor positions, the Telephoto lens may be rotated vertically. This adjustment would require relocating the LiDAR scanner to the outer edge of the module, alongside the flash and microphone.

iPhone 17 Air: ultra-thin, single-camera model

The ultra-slim iPhone 17 Air will only feature a single 48MP Fusion lens due to internal space limitations. There's no room for Ultra Wide or Telephoto lenses, as Apple aims to make this model just 5.5mm thick.

The rear will still have a horizontal camera bar like the Pro models, but smaller. The lens sits on the left, while the flash and microphone occupy the right.

With only one lens, the iPhone 17 Air may not support spatial photos or videos unless Apple introduces new software solutions to simulate multi-lens effects.

iPhone 17 standard edition: minimal changes

Besides the upgraded 24MP front camera, the standard iPhone 17 is expected to retain the dual-lens setup from the iPhone 16, with vertically aligned lenses on the left side. It won’t feature the new horizontal layout seen in the Pro and Air models.

There’s no confirmed news about sensor improvements, though it may still use the 48MP Fusion main lens and a 12MP Ultra Wide lens like its predecessor.

Apple is expected to unveil the full iPhone 17 lineup this fall, which will include the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and the ultra-slim iPhone 17 Air, with most camera upgrades focused on the Pro models.

Hai Phong