Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro is expected to combine a modest price hike with a meaningful base-level enhancement, potentially starting at 256GB of storage instead of 128GB. That shift, coupled with an expected $50 increase, positions the model around $1,049 and maintains consumer appeal even as costs rise. By comparison, the current 256GB iPhone 16 Pro is already priced at $1,099, which makes the new base variant effectively more affordable for the same storage tier.
Beyond storage, the iPhone 17 Pro is rumored to deliver several substantial upgrades. The chipset is expected to be Apple’s new A19 Pro, paired with a generous 12-gigabyte RAM configuration, the most ever in an iPhone. That memory boost would serve increasingly powerful on-device AI and multitasking needs.
Camera upgrades appear to be central to this year’s enhancements. Pro models will offer three rear lenses, each at 48 megapixels, including a telephoto unit. Rumored features across the lineup include a 24-megapixel front camera, up to 8× optical zoom, mechanical aperture control, and even dual-video capture from front and rear cameras at the same time, appealing to creators and vlogging professionals.
Aesthetic redesigns might include a horizontal rectangular camera module or “camera bar” that spans the width of the device. The build materials are also expected to shift, with Apple possibly using a half-aluminum, half-glass back, and introducing bold new color choices like dark blue and papaya orange.
Display improvements and device durability are not being overlooked. Pro models could feature anti-reflective, scratch-resistant screens, possibly enabled by new glass technologies. All models in the series may receive 120Hz displays with better energy efficiency and always-on functionality.
Thermal management also appears upgraded. The iPhone 17 Pro could include a vapor chamber cooling system to support sustained performance from the high-end A19 Pro chip. Battery life is another highlight. The Pro Max variant may pack a massive 5,000 mAh battery, the largest ever in an iPhone, and even the standard Pro could benefit from improved capacity and optimized efficiency under iOS 26.
Launch timing is expected in early September 2025, with announcements speculated around the 9th or 10th, followed by pre-orders and later availability.
Taken together, the iPhone 17 Pro storage upgrade is just one element of a broader evolution. Alongside increased base capacity, buyers may benefit from a faster chip, more RAM, an improved camera system, better display and battery, upgraded cooling, and smarter connectivity. These enhancements could allow Apple to maintain rising prices while delivering real value, especially for power users and creators.
(via Instant Digital)
