Apple Will Reportedly Keep Periscope Telephoto Camera Pro-Exclusive for iPhone 17
The iPhone 17 series may continue to reserve advanced camera features for Pro models.
Rumors surrounding Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 series suggest a mix of upgrades and disappointments for fans. According to recent reports, the standard iPhone 17 models will continue to lack a periscope telephoto camera, an advanced feature that will remain exclusive to the Pro lineup. South Korean publication The Elec claims that, similar to the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max, the iPhone 17 Pro models will feature a 12MP tetraprism telephoto lens capable of 5x optical zoom.
On the display front, the standard iPhone 17 models are expected to adopt a 120Hz refresh rate, previously limited to the Pro versions, marking a significant enhancement for non-Pro devices. However, Apple appears committed to keeping certain premium features exclusive to its higher-end offerings.
Reports also indicate that Apple may introduce a new design element to the series. A potential replacement for the “Plus” variant, rumored to be named “iPhone 17 Air” or “Slim,” could showcase a remarkably thin 6mm profile. However, challenges in battery technology might prevent the device from achieving the expected slimness. Additionally, a new OLED technology could debut with the iPhone 17 Slim, offering improved visual performance.
The iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air are expected to be powered by the A19 chip, while the Pro models will feature an enhanced A19 Pro variant. Moreover, Apple is reportedly working on its in-house 5G modem, aiming to reduce reliance on Qualcomm and strengthen control over its hardware ecosystem.
These developments suggest a strategic continuation of Apple’s tiered approach, differentiating its Pro models with exclusive features while still upgrading the standard versions to remain competitive in the premium smartphone market.