After a 2024 release that saw the iPhone 16 pick up a lot of premium features, the latest iPhone 17 rumors make it sound like this year will be the Pro models' turn to shine. Don't get me wrong — the iPhone 17 should be a big step up for Apple's entry-level flagship phone, as it's tipped to get the fast-refreshing display that the Pro iPhones have offered for years. You could also see a bigger screen with the iPhone 17, although that would only bring it on par with Apple's 6.3-inch Pro phone.
But the bigger changes to Apple's phone lineup seem destined for the iPhone 17 Pro this year. And, as I learned when putting together an iPhone 17 vs. iPhone 17 Pro rumor comparison earlier this summer, there are two likely improvements in particular that would seem to make the iPhone 17 Pro the device to focus on once Apple announces its new lineup during the upcoming iPhone 17 event on September 9.
Better cameras on the Pro
If the rumored changes to the iPhone 17 Pro's camera setup are true, the new model is going to take its natural advantage over the rear dual camera array on the iPhone 17 and extend it even further.
Rumors tip the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max to get a 48MP telephoto lens, replacing the 12MP zoom camera on the current iPhone 16 Pro models. The change would mean all three cameras on the back of the iPhone 17 Pro will be powered by 48MP sensors.
There's a possible trade-off to that higher-resolution zoom lens, as rumors claim it will only support a 3.5x optical zoom, compared to the 5x zoom on current models. Still, the sharper, more detailed zooms the latest iPhones are likely to support will take much of the sting out that change.
It's not just a matter of better cameras on the iPhone 17 Pro compared to the regular iPhone 17. Apple is expected to introduce more capabilities to its Pro models this year. That includes a dual video feature that will let you use the front and rear cameras simultaneously to capture footage — a nice addition for video chats as well as for online creators.
In contrast, the iPhone 17 isn't expected to see any hardware changes to the 48MP main and 12MP ultrawide cameras found on the iPhone 16. The new iPhone is expected to get an upgraded 24MP front camera, but that same enhancement is coming to the Pro models as well.
Enhanced performance, vapor chamber cooling and more RAM
Apple has a tradition of using different versions of the same system-on-chip for its standard and Pro models. For example, the iPhone 16 runs on an A18 chipset, while the iPhone 16 Pro turns to the A18 Pro with an extra GPU core for better graphics performance. You'd expect that would continue for the iPhone 17 models at a minimum, with the Pro phone benefitting from A19 Pro silicon.
One rumor tips Apple to continue using an A18 chipset in the regular iPhone 17 while equipping the iPhone 17 Pro with the new A19 Pro. I'm not sure how much stock to put in that claim, but it certainly underscores the fact that anyone who gets one of the Pro models this fall is going to see better performance.
And it won't be just because of the silicon apparently. The Pro models are tipped to add a vapor cooling chamber designed to keep the phones from overheating. While some rumors suggest that feature could reach the iPhone 17 as well, most people believe it will be a Pro-only addition.
Furthermore, you're likely going to see more RAM in the iPhone 17 Pro — 12GB, compared to 8GB in the standard iPhone. That will come in handy as Apple add more on-device Apple Intelligence capabilities.
iPhone 17 Pro outlook
I'm not sure I'm in the market for a new phone this fall, as I'm in the process of migrating from a beat-up iPhone 12 to a considerably more powerful iPhone 15. But if I do end up skipping that upgrade and heading straight to an iPhone 17, the Pro model is the one I'd be looking at. The rumored improvements sound like the far more impressive ones ahead of Apple's announcement next week.
Make sure to check out our iPhone 17 event live blog for all the latest rumors and leaks heading up to Apple's biggest launch of the year.
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