One of the most anticipated upgrades is a 48MP telephoto lens. Apple previously introduced a 48MP main sensor on the iPhone 14 Pro and upgraded the ultra-wide lens to 48MP on the iPhone 16 Pro.

With the iPhone 17 Pro series, the telephoto camera is expected to join the 48MP club, giving all three rear cameras ultra-high resolution. This will improve zoom performance and detail retention at long distances.

It's unclear if Apple will update the current 5x zoom interface in the Camera app to reflect the new telephoto capability.

Multi-lens video recording support

Another standout addition is simultaneous multi-lens video capture. While this feature has existed in third-party apps, Apple has yet to integrate it into the native Camera app. That may change this year, with the iPhone 17 Pro series expected to officially support recording using both the ultra-wide and telephoto lenses at once.

This feature could be a powerful tool for content creators seeking greater flexibility in storytelling and shot composition. However, reports suggest this may be exclusive to the Pro models.

24MP front-facing camera

Apple is also said to be doubling the resolution of the TrueDepth front camera from 12MP to 24MP. This enhancement may apply across the iPhone 17 lineup, including the standard and “Air” models, not just the Pros.

The upgrade should significantly boost selfie and video call quality, especially in low light - an area that has seen little change in recent years.

Complete redesign of rear camera module

Beyond hardware upgrades, Apple is reportedly redesigning the rear camera layout. The current square module might be replaced with a horizontal camera bar or a “camera island” that spans the device’s back. This redesign could improve component arrangement and allow space for larger sensors or internal optimizations.

These developments suggest that Apple continues to prioritize photography and video performance on its Pro models. While the iPhone 17 Air may appeal to users seeking a lighter, thinner phone with stable camera capabilities, the Pro series will likely remain the go-to for mobile imaging enthusiasts.

The iPhone 17 lineup is expected to be announced this September, staying in line with Apple’s typical release cycle. However, some reports indicate this could be the final year of the current model structure, with bigger changes possibly arriving in 2026.

Apple has not officially confirmed any of these features, but if the leaks prove accurate, the iPhone 17 Pro may deliver the most significant camera upgrades in years.

Hai Phong