Apple will see a significant price drop thanks to the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air, which is expected to be a huge success. But what about Apple’s flagship Pro models? Here are seven new features coming to the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max in September.
24MP Front Camera
iPhone cameras get better every year, but Apple’s biggest improvements often focus on the rear cameras.
With the launch of the full iPhone 17 series, Apple will upgrade the front camera from a 12-megapixel sensor to an all-new 24-megapixel sensor, which should bring significant improvements.
It’s time for the selfie camera to approach the quality of the iPhone’s rear camera.
A19 Pro Chip
Apple will update the new iPhones with a new and improved A-series chip. This year, that chip will be the A19 Pro.
Apple’s best processors will be exclusively for the 17 Pro and Pro Max. While the new 17 Air model is expected to attract a lot of attention from Pro users, it will feature the standard A19 chip, just like the base iPhone 17.
12GB of RAM, the largest amount ever in an iPhone
The emergence of artificial intelligence has increased the importance of RAM in Apple devices. iPhone 15 users know this better than anyone, as RAM limitations have made the device incompatible with Apple’s intelligence.
Apple plans to equip the 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max models with 12GB of RAM, the largest amount ever in an iPhone.
This represents a significant 50% improvement over the 8GB of RAM in the 16 Pro. Rumors are still unclear as to whether the standard iPhone 17 and 17 Air will also get 12GB, but it’s certain to make its way to the Pro series.
Apple’s in-house Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip
Apple has been developing two of its own modems for years: one for 5G networks and one for Wi-Fi.
The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are expected to use Apple’s new Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip, and perhaps the rest of the lineup will too.
However, only the 17 Air will benefit from Apple’s new C1 modem, while the Pro models will continue to use Qualcomm’s solution for another year.
Larger “Rectangular” Camera Bump
Just as Apple did with this year’s iPhone 16 Pro models, the company is preparing to upgrade its Pro series with a camera-optimized model.
The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are rumored to feature a larger “rectangular” camera bump. This should bring some new features.
The top of the Pro models appears to feature a full-width aluminum design. However, the bottom half will retain a standard glass cover for wireless charging.
Updated Aluminum Design, Possibly Sky Blue
This is particularly curious: the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will benefit from a redesigned frame, with aluminum replacing titanium.
Apple recently introduced titanium in the 2023 iPhone Pro models, so the switch to aluminum is interesting. We’ll have to wait and see what reasons Apple has for changing its mind.
One potential benefit of this change is that it could open the door to a variety of more fun colors than we’ve seen in some time, with Sky Blue being a new option being rumored.
Improved Cooling with Vapor Chamber
Finally, the entire lineup is expected to feature improved cooling systems, with the iPhone 17 Pro Max featuring a vapor chamber exclusively in addition to graphite sheets.
This decision undoubtedly reflects Apple’s intelligence about the future of the iPhone. AI requires not only more powerful chips and more RAM, but also better cooling to maintain optimal performance.
iPhone 17 Pro Features: Summary
This list of iPhone 17 Pro features confirms my belief that this year’s purchasing decision will be more difficult than ever.
The ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air sounds very exciting. But iPhone 17 Pro users may have to make many sacrifices to upgrade to the iPhone 17 Pro.
Which iPhone 17 Pro features are you most excited about? Are you considering the iPhone 17 Air or sticking with the Pro? Share your opinion in the comments.
