5 biggest changes for the upcoming high-end iPhone 17 model

If you're looking forward to the iPhone 17 Pro or the more premium iPhone 17 Pro Max, this year could be the year that sees the most significant upgrades yet.

Based on the latest leaks and rumors, Apple is expected to bring a series of outstanding improvements to this high-end product line, from a thinner and lighter design, superior performance to advanced camera and screen technologies.

The iPhone 17 series is expected to be officially announced by Apple this fall, specifically around mid-September. To not miss any important information, follow the detailed summary of everything that awaits the new generation of iPhone.

1. Redesign the camera cluster

The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are expected to mark a major shift in design, especially in the rear camera cluster.

Instead of keeping the familiar square shape that has been with us for many years, Apple is said to be switching to a rectangular horizontal bar design that runs along the width of the back.

This new design is reminiscent of the "runway" style of the Google Pixel line, giving it a modern look that is distinctly different from previous generations.

According to leaked information, the new camera cluster still retains the triangular 3-lens layout on the left side, but will now come with the LiDAR scanner, microphone and flash arranged on the right side, creating a more balanced and harmonious overall design.

Although Apple has not given an official reason for this change, many experts believe that the elongated camera bar can bring many practical benefits, from optimizing internal space to integrate larger components or improving heat dissipation, to improving the accuracy of depth mapping thanks to the better spacing between sensors.

In addition, this protrusion is also said to have the same color as the frame, showing a more streamlined and seamless design direction, bringing a more premium and modern feel to users.

2. Upgraded Telephoto Lens

The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are said to take mobile photography to the next level with a new generation Telephoto lens, also known as “Tetraprism”, which will integrate a 48MP sensor for the first time, a significant increase compared to the 12MP sensor on the current iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max. This rumor has been around for quite some time and has been increasingly reinforced by many reliable sources in the technology world.

With the iPhone 16 Pro already having a 48MP main camera and Ultra Wide lens, the upgrade on the Telephoto lens means that the iPhone 17 Pro will become the first iPhone to have all 3 rear cameras using a 48-megapixel sensor, a big step forward in Apple's camera system.

Apple is expected to focus heavily on the video capabilities of the iPhone 17 Pro when it launches later this year. While full details of the feature have yet to be revealed, recent reports suggest that all three lenses will support 8K video recording – a feature that has never been seen on an iPhone before.

If this becomes a reality, users could shoot video with the ultra-wide lens and then crop it by up to 50% while still retaining 4K image quality, opening up a lot of new creative possibilities for filmmakers and professionals.

3. Upgraded selfie camera

The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are expected to bring a significant leap forward for the front camera, with a resolution sensor of up to 24MP accompanied by an advanced 6-element plastic lens system.

This will be a significant upgrade compared to the 12MP front camera that has appeared on many recent iPhone generations, promising to redefine the selfie and video calling experience on high-end iPhone lines.

The move to a 24MP sensor isn’t just about increasing the number of pixels, it’s about opening up more creative possibilities for users. The resulting images are richer in detail, allowing for the freedom to crop, zoom, or adjust composition while still maintaining impressive sharpness.

This is a big plus for content creators, especially those who frequently use the front camera to vlog, livestream, or shoot vertical videos on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

If this information is correct, this will be the first time the iPhone's front camera has truly approached the quality of the rear camera cluster, a move that shows Apple is paying more attention than ever to the multi-dimensional creative needs of modern users.

4. Part glass, part aluminum frame

Apple has long been refining the materials used to build its premium iPhones, moving from aluminum to stainless steel, and more recently titanium, to improve durability and a premium feel.

However, with the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, the company is said to be returning to using an aluminum frame, but this time with a clear goal of sustainability.

Aluminum has a significantly lower carbon footprint than titanium, and the choice of this material reflects Apple's growing commitment to reducing its environmental impact.

The back design of the iPhone 17 Pro has also been renewed in a sophisticated direction. According to leaked sources, the back will be divided into two distinct halves, the upper half is made of aluminum, where the new rectangular camera cluster is located, and the lower half is still kept as glass to support the wireless charging feature.

This combination of aluminum and glass not only gives it a modern, unique look, but also shows that Apple is looking to optimize between performance, features and environmental responsibility.

This isn't just an aesthetic change, but also a strategic step in reimagining how Apple designs iPhones, making them lighter, more durable, and more planet-friendly.

5. New A19 Pro processor

The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are expected to launch with Apple's most powerful new processor - the A19 Pro, manufactured on the advanced 3rd generation 3nm process of semiconductor chip manufacturer TSMC (Taiwan).

This is a step forward in semiconductor miniaturization technology, allowing more transistors to be integrated into the same area, thereby bringing about significant improvements in both performance and energy efficiency.

While this increase may not be too groundbreaking compared to the A18 chip on the iPhone 16, it is still enough to bring a smoother experience in everyday and intensive tasks.

To maximize the power of the A19 Pro chip, Apple is also rumored to equip a vapor chamber cooling system for the first time on the iPhone 17 Pro line.

This is a cooling technology commonly found in gaming devices or high-end laptops, helping to disperse heat faster and more evenly than traditional solutions.

With this system, the A19 Pro will be able to maintain high performance for a long time without clock throttling, a big advantage when handling heavy tasks such as playing high-graphics games, filming 4K/8K quality movies or editing professional videos right on the phone.

In short, the iPhone 17 Pro is not only more powerful but also smarter in the way it manages performance, paving the way for a more stable and smoother user experience than ever before.