Apple Prepares Significant Camera and Performance Upgrades for iPhone 17 Series
The iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to feature a major 48MP telephoto camera upgrade and enhanced performance.
Apple is reportedly preparing major upgrades for the upcoming iPhone 17 series, anticipated for release in September 2025. According to Jeff Pu, a well-known analyst at Haitong International Tech Research, the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will receive significant camera improvements, particularly a new 48MP telephoto rear camera. This would represent a substantial leap from the current 12MP telephoto lens seen in the iPhone 16 Pro models. The front-facing camera is also expected to see an upgrade to 12MP, enhancing the quality of selfies and video calls.
In addition to camera enhancements, the iPhone 17 Pro models will reportedly feature 12GB of RAM, an increase from the 8GB found in the iPhone 16 Pro. This memory upgrade should boost multitasking capabilities and overall performance, especially for applications utilizing Apple’s AI-driven technology. Pu further predicts that the iPhone 17 Pro Max will introduce a smaller “metalens” for Face ID, which could result in a narrower Dynamic Island on the front display, maintaining a sleek design.
Both Pro models will retain the screen sizes of their predecessors, with the iPhone 17 Pro featuring a 6.3-inch display and the Pro Max offering a larger 6.9-inch display. They will be powered by Apple’s next-generation A19 Pro chip, produced using TSMC’s advanced 3nm process, which is expected to provide greater efficiency and power.
In addition to the Pro models, Apple may also introduce the iPhone 17 Air, possibly replacing the iPhone Plus variant. The iPhone 17 Air, also referred to as the iPhone 17 Slim, is speculated to feature a 6.6-inch display, 8GB of RAM, and the same A19 chip as the standard iPhone 17 model. The iPhone 17 Air could be Apple’s first device to debut its in-house 5G modem and is likely to include a 48MP rear camera and a 24MP front camera, housed in a slimmer design with an aluminium frame.
These anticipated upgrades reflect Apple’s continued focus on camera advancements and improved performance, particularly with the expected introduction of a 48MP telephoto lens and the next-generation A19 chip.