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Updated March 26th 2025, 17:40 IST
iPhone 17 Pro: What to Expect From Apple's 2025 Top-End iPhone
While the marquee iPhone 17 models could undergo significant changes, the iPhone 17 Pro lineup is also expected to bring major improvements.
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Apple’s iPhone lineup for 2025 may include major changes, according to rumours and leaks that suggest a slimmer substitute for the Plus model, new camera design, better display and body features, and substantial performance boosts across models. While the marquee iPhone 17 models could undergo significant changes, the iPhone 17 Pro lineup is also expected to have a redesign, marking one of the biggest shifts in what Apple’s modern smartphone looks like.
Design changes
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman previously hinted that Apple could switch back to aluminium from titanium on the Pro models, arguing that it could reduce weight and production costs as the company eyes sustainability goals for its best-selling product. However, the kind of aluminium used on the Pro models will be above par with the material used on the standard models.
The iPhone 17 Pro’s rear could use a dual-tone design, featuring an aluminium-based upper portion and glass-made lower portion to allow MagSafe-based wireless charging. Some speculate the dual-material design could enhance the durability of the iPhone by reducing the amount of breakable glass. The metal part on the rear will house the camera sensors, with reports suggesting a larger, horizontal rectangular bar instead of a square camera bump. While the design may seem similar to that of camera systems on Android flagships such as Google Pixel 9 Pro, it may bring a fresh look for the Pro model after six generations.
Display enhancements
Reports are rife that while the iPhone 17 Pro series will stick to the new sizes of 6.3 inches for the Pro and 6.9 inches for the Pro Max, Apple may equip it with a new anti-reflective coating with improved scratch resistance, likely described as a “super-hard” layer. This coating is expected to offer better anti-reflective properties and better durability than Ceramic Shield. The Dynamic Island is also expected to shrink, giving more screen real estate to users.
Performance boost
The iPhone 17 Pro will likely be powered by the A19 Pro chip, built on TSMC’s third-generation advanced 3nm process. The new chip is expected to offer modest improvements in performance and power efficiency compared to the A18 Pro chip on the iPhone 16 Pro series. Experts believe that while the A19 Pro could reduce load times in heavy apps and graphics-intensive games, it may be crucial in supporting the next phase of Apple Intelligence services. The RAM capacity on the Pro models is also expected to see a major jump, going from 8GB to 12GB for better on-device AI capabilities and multitasking. The iPhone 17 Pro may also feature Apple’s in-house C1 modem for better cellular connectivity and Wi-Fi 7 chip, replacing Qualcomm and Broadcom’s radio chips.
Camera upgrades
Apple will likely elevate the photography experience on the iPhone 17 Pro with a revamped camera system, expected to sport triple 48MP sensors as the telephoto sensor jumps from 12MP to 48MP. This could allow sharper long-distance shots and offer great flexibility when cropping high-resolution photos. The optical zoom may still be 5x, but digital zoom may increase alongside better depth control through mechanical aperture — a first for iPhones.
The TrueDepth (front) camera on the iPhone 17 could also switch to a better and larger 24MP sensor from the existing 12MP sensor. This could allow for crisper selfies and clearer video calls.
Battery jump
Apple is expected to offer a 5000mAh battery on the iPhone 17 Pro — marking a first for the company’s highest-end smartphone. The latest iPhone 16 Pro Max has a 4685mAh battery with support for fast charging and MagSafe wireless charging. Apple is also expected to introduce a vapour cooling chamber inside the iPhone 17 Pro for better heat dissipation during intensive tasks.
iPhone 17 Pro: A landmark release?
The iPhone 17 Pro shapes up as a major upgrade in Apple’s top-end lineup, blending a new design with spruced-up hardware. The launch of iOS 19 is expected to increase the appeal against upcoming rivals such as Google Pixel 10 Pro. Alongside the iPhone 17 Air, the company’s long-rumoured slim phone, the iPhone 17 Pro could come across as a compelling flagship and a landmark release for Apple. That could also translate into a price bump, with rumours hinting at a $100 hike, if not more.
Published March 26th 2025, 17:40 IST