The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are expected to feature significant hardware improvements, including upgraded displays and powerful new cameras. Leaks suggest these models could launch within just a few months, and anticipation is steadily building.

While the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air has drawn a lot of attention, the Pro models typically offer more substantial upgrades. Alongside the surprise of a new color option, leaks indicate that the iPhone 17 Pro series will be powered by the A19 Pro chip and equipped with a 48MP telephoto lens. A long-awaited scratch-resistant and anti-reflective display could also debut.

Redesigned camera module with 48MP telephoto lens

Apple is rumored to redesign the camera layout on the iPhone 17 Pro, placing the rear lenses in a horizontal bar across the back. The front-facing camera is also expected to get a major upgrade.

Back in January, leaker Majin Bu shared a render showing the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Air featuring a horizontal camera array similar to Google’s Pixel 9. This raised questions: will Apple align the three rear lenses horizontally, or retain the pyramid-style design seen on the iPhone 16 Pro?

In February, Bu released CAD renders of the iPhone 17 series, echoed by Front Page Tech on YouTube. Apple has since taken legal action against YouTuber Jon Prosser, who appeared in the video, over iOS 26-related leaks.

Despite the new horizontal layout, the camera lenses are still expected to be stacked in a layered formation.

In March, analyst Jeff Pu reported that both the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will include a 48MP telephoto camera - up from 12MP in the iPhone 16 Pro - joining the wide and ultra-wide lenses at the same resolution. Additionally, the selfie camera is rumored to jump from 12MP to 24MP across all iPhone 17 models.

Front Page Tech reported in April that the new Pro models may support simultaneous video recording using both front and rear cameras - allowing users to embed their own face into videos captured by the rear lens.

Anti-reflective display and screen size changes

According to MacRumors on July 16, reliable sources suggest the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will feature displays that are both scratch- and glare-resistant. This contradicts earlier reports that Apple scrapped the feature due to production challenges. If true, it would be a notable upgrade over the current Ceramic Shield.

Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra already touts anti-reflective tech as a standout feature.

AppleInsider in May reported that the iPhone 17 may also increase in size. Ross Young of DSCC and Counterpoint Research posted that the standard iPhone 17 will grow to 6.3 inches (up from 6.1 inches), matching the iPhone 17 Pro. The Pro and Pro Max models are expected to remain at 6.3 and 6.9 inches respectively - same as their iPhone 16 counterparts.

Fresh design and color options

Recent leaks suggest new materials and colors for the iPhone 17 Pro lineup.

In April, Majin Bu claimed on X that a sky-blue iPhone 17 Pro was in the works. But by mid-July, he updated that Apple had dropped that color for the Pro models, leaving it exclusive to the iPhone 17 Air.

On July 17, Bu revealed a mock-up of four potential Pro model colors: black, silver, dark blue, and a stunning new orange shade. A Weibo blogger suggested one of these finishes may tie into the “liquid glass” aesthetic of iOS 26, which creates shifting light effects depending on viewing angles.

For reference, last year’s iPhone 16 and 16 Plus were available in pink, mint, navy, white, and black. The iPhone 16 Pro introduced a new “desert titanium” hue, along with natural, white, and black titanium finishes. The Pro line usually sticks to neutral tones, so orange would be a bold departure.

Apple’s logo on the rear could be positioned lower to make room for the larger camera system, as seen in a leaked model by Majin Bu.

Improved audio and RAM

On June 2, Wccftech reported that the iPhone 17 Pro series may include extended speaker cutouts for enhanced sound clarity, supported by @duanrui1205’s leak.

At WWDC in late June, Apple confirmed improved audio for H2-chip AirPods via software updates, indicating more sound upgrades may be on the way.

Digital Chat Station reported in April that all iPhone 17 models will get 12GB RAM to support Apple Intelligence and AI-driven features. That’s a significant bump from the iPhone 16’s 8GB. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo echoed this claim via Digital Trends.

New aluminum frame and cooling system

There’s speculation that Apple may switch the Pro models from titanium to aluminum or a hybrid aluminum-glass frame. According to MacRumors in February, the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and Pro Max may all adopt aluminum, while the Air model may retain or combine titanium and aluminum.

Smaller Dynamic Island and thicker chassis

Jeff Pu predicted in May that all iPhone 17 models will use new metal-lens technology for proximity sensors, enabling a smaller Dynamic Island - though this contrasts with Kuo’s prediction that the Island will remain mostly unchanged.

9to5Mac reported in May that the iPhone 17 Pro Max might grow thicker to 8.725mm (up from 8.25mm on the 16 Pro Max), potentially accommodating a larger battery. A July 11 video posted by Bu featured a thicker case for the iPhone 17 Pro Max based on leaked dimensions.

A19 Pro chip and longer battery life

The iPhone 17 Pro series is expected to be powered by the A19 Pro chip. MacRumors cites Fixed Focus Digital on Weibo, who claims the 17 Air may also use the A19 Pro, but with a 5-core GPU versus 6-core in the Pro and Pro Max models. A stronger GPU would boost performance in video and graphics-intensive tasks.

Instant Digital on X stated that the iPhone 17 Pro Max could feature the largest battery ever in an iPhone, though MacRumors notes the source’s mixed track record. If the regular 17 Pro shares the Pro Max’s thickness, it too may benefit from a larger battery.

On July 3, Bu said both Pro models will use vapor chamber cooling, helping manage heat from larger batteries.

Release date: Likely September 2025

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple typically announces new iPhones during the week following Labor Day in the US (the first Monday in September). This year, that suggests a launch event in the week of September 8 - most likely on Monday (8th), Tuesday (9th), or Wednesday (10th).

Pre-orders usually begin the following Friday (September 12 or 19), with deliveries a week later.

All iPhone 17 models are expected to launch at that time, except for the budget iPhone 17E, which may debut in early 2026, per Ming-Chi Kuo and The Information.

Price may increase due to tariffs

Former President Trump has repeatedly threatened to impose a 25% tariff on all iPhones manufactured outside the US, potentially raising prices. Although Apple has moved much of its iPhone production to India and received tariff exemptions for many electronics, these exemptions may be temporary.

Despite these risks, Apple is expected to raise prices anyway, citing "enhanced features and design" rather than tariffs, aiming to avoid political backlash. The $999 starting price for the iPhone Pro hasn't increased since 2017, suggesting a hike may be overdue.

Whether due to trade policies or added features, consumers should prepare for higher iPhone 17 prices.

As always, these details are based on leaks and rumors and remain unconfirmed until Apple’s official announcement.

Hai Phong (CNET, Macrumors)