The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are expected to headline Apple’s 2025 smartphone lineup. These models will introduce the biggest upgrades in the iPhone 17 series, setting them apart from the standard iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air. Apple is rumored to focus on premium design changes, professional-grade cameras, and performance improvements that push the Pro lineup even further ahead of the regular models.
Apple’s strategy has been to make the Pro line the true flagship option, appealing to users who want the best cameras, displays, and materials. With a redesigned chassis, the new A19 Pro chip, and advanced photography features, the iPhone 17 Pro series will represent Apple’s most powerful smartphones to date.
iPhone 17 Pro expected features
The iPhone 17 Pro models will introduce some of the most significant design changes in years. Apple is expected to adopt a new chassis with slimmer bezels and lighter materials, possibly using aluminum or a hybrid composite to balance strength and weight. The Pro lineup may also debut a horizontal camera layout, marking a clear visual departure from previous generations.
Performance will be powered by the A19 Pro chip, paired with 12 GB of RAM. This combination will deliver faster multitasking, smoother gaming, and more efficient handling of iOS 26 features. Apple is focusing on expanding AI capabilities in iOS, which require advanced on-device processing power, making the A19 Pro essential for the Pro lineup.
The camera system will be one of the standout features. The iPhone 17 Pro is expected to include a 48 MP telephoto camera with up to 8x optical zoom, a significant leap over the iPhone 16 Pro. New computational photography features, such as variable aperture and dual-video recording, may also debut. The Pro Max will push capabilities even further, serving as the ultimate choice for mobile photography enthusiasts.
- Expected features of iPhone 17 Pro
- Redesigned chassis with slimmer bezels
- A19 Pro chip with 12 GB RAM
- 48 MP telephoto camera with up to 8x optical zoom
- Horizontal camera bar design for Pro models
- Anti-reflective, scratch-resistant display coating
- Always-On ProMotion OLED display with 120 Hz refresh
- Largest iPhone battery yet in Pro Max (around 5,000 mAh)
- Base storage likely starting at 256 GB
- Repositioned antennas around the rear camera module
iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 17 Pro
Compared to the iPhone 16 Pro, the iPhone 17 Pro will bring several noticeable upgrades:
- New chassis design with slimmer bezels and lighter weight
- Horizontal camera layout instead of the vertical cluster
- Telephoto lens upgraded from 12 MP to 48 MP
- Optical zoom improved from 5x to up to 8x on Pro Max
- A19 Pro chip replacing the A18 Pro, with higher efficiency
- Base storage expected to double from 128 GB to 256 GB
- Larger battery in the Pro Max for longer endurance
These differences highlight Apple’s effort to maintain a strong gap between its regular and Pro models, making the Pro series more appealing to professional users and enthusiasts.
iPhone 17 Pro Max features
The iPhone 17 Pro Max will carry several exclusive advantages. In addition to a larger 6.9-inch display, it is expected to include Apple’s biggest iPhone battery yet, around 5,000 mAh, along with improved thermal design for better heat management. Its camera system will likely take full advantage of the new 48 MP telephoto lens, offering the most advanced zoom capabilities in the lineup.
The Pro Max will also benefit from larger internal space, which Apple may use to improve heat dissipation. This will allow the device to sustain peak performance longer, particularly during gaming, video recording, or heavy multitasking.
iPhone 17 Pro storage options
Apple is expected to start the iPhone 17 Pro series at 256 GB of storage, doubling the base option compared to the iPhone 16 Pro. Higher storage tiers of 512 GB and 1 TB will remain available for users with demanding needs such as 4K video recording. This shift reinforces Apple’s positioning of the Pro models as professional devices, making them suitable for photography and videography workflows.
iPhone 17 Pro release date
Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 17 Pro at its annual September event in 2025. Pre-orders will likely open within days of the announcement, with availability in stores by mid-to-late September. This launch schedule aligns with Apple’s established timeline, ensuring the iPhone 17 Pro is available for the holiday season.
iPhone 17 Pro price and availability
The iPhone 17 Pro is expected to start around $1,049, reflecting a modest price increase compared to the iPhone 16 Pro. The Pro Max will likely be priced higher, especially with its larger display and exclusive camera upgrades. With a 256 GB base storage tier, the entry price may feel higher, but it reflects Apple’s strategy to position the Pro series as a premium product line.
For buyers looking for the very best Apple has to offer in design, performance, and photography, the iPhone 17 Pro lineup will be the top choice. With advanced zoom capabilities, upgraded materials, and the most powerful chip in an iPhone yet, the iPhone 17 Pro will set a new standard for premium smartphones in 2025.
