iPhone 17 Series to Exclude Periscope Camera for Non-Pro Models

Apple’s iPhone 16 lineup, introduced in September, brought significant upgrades to the camera system, with only the Pro models—iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max—featuring the advanced periscope telephoto camera. This addition, which provides 5x optical zoom, has been a key selling point for the high-end versions of the device.

Looking ahead to the iPhone 17 series, which is expected to launch next year, the periscope camera will remain exclusive to the Pro models. This was reported by South Korean publication The Elec, which notes that while LG Innotek, a major supplier of iPhone camera modules, is investing in new production facilities, this does not indicate a shift in Apple’s strategy for the iPhone 17.

The iPhone 17 lineup is expected to include four models: the standard iPhone 17, the iPhone 17 Air (or possibly Slim), the iPhone 17 Pro, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max. However, despite the anticipated advancements in camera module technology, only the Pro variants will offer the periscope camera, continuing the trend set by the iPhone 16 series. As a result, users looking for the telephoto zoom functionality will have to opt for the Pro models, while the base iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air/Slim will not feature this high-end camera technology.