The iPhone is going to be big this year, with the new iPhone SE 4 coming out in the spring, and the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air arriving in the fall. What about Apple’s flagship Pro model? Seven new features are coming to the iPhone 17 Pro Max and Pro in September.
24MP front-facing cameras
Apple’s iPhone cameras improve every year, but the improvements are usually focused on the rear cameras. Apple’s iPhone 17 will have a 24MP front-facing camera, an upgrade from the 12MP sensor. This should result in a significant improvement.
The selfie camera should be able to match the quality of the iPhone’s rear-facing camera.
A19 Pro chip
Apple will once again upgrade its new iPhones with a new and improved A-series chip. This year that will be the A19 Pro chip.
Apple’s very best silicon will be reserved exclusively for the 17 Pro and Pro Max. Though the new 17 Air model is expected to win over a lot of Pro users, it will feature the standard A19 chip—just like the base iPhone 17.
The iPhone 19659009 has the most RAM ever.
The advent of AI has made RAM in Apple’s devices increasingly important. iPhone 15 owners know this better than anyone, since RAM limitations made the device incompatible with Apple Intelligence.
Apple plans to give its 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max models 12GB of RAM—the most ever in an iPhone.
This is a nice 50% improvement from the 16 Pro’s 8GB of RAM, which is what the standard iPhone 17 and 17 Air will be limited to still.
Apple’s own Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips
Apple is working on two modems, one for 5G and one for Wi. Both projects are now nearing completion.
Apple’s new Wi-Fi/Bluetooth chip is expected to be used in the iPhone 17 Pro, Pro Max and possibly other models.
The 17 Air will be the only model to get Apple’s 5G modem. The Pro models will continue to use Qualcomm’s advanced modem.
Larger ‘rectangular’ camera bump
Like Apple did with this year’s 16 Pro models, the company is ready to double down on its Pro line as being especially optimized for camera use.
The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will reportedly boast a ‘larger rectangular camera bump.’ Presumably this will enable some new benefit.
It sounds like the top portion of the Pro models may feature a full-width aluminum design. The bottom half, however, will retain its standard glass back for wireless charging.
Aluminum frame redesign
This one is particularly interesting: the iPhone 17 Pro, Pro Max and Pro will get a new frame design. Aluminum replaces titanium.
Apple has just introduced titanium for the iPhone Pro models in 2023. The switch to aluminum is therefore interesting. Apple’s reasons for the switch will have to be heard.
Improved cooling with vapor Chamber
Finally, the full lineup is expected to get improved cooling systems, with the iPhone 17 Pro Max exclusively boasting a vapor chamber plus graphite sheet.
No doubt this move is a reflection of Apple Intelligence’s importance to the iPhone’s future. AI not only requires more powerful chips and extra RAM, but better cooling to maintain max performance too.
iPhone 17 Pro Features: Wrap-up
The list of iPhone 17 Pro’s features confirms my belief that the purchase decision this year will be more difficult than ever.
It sounds like the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air is very exciting. There may be too many sacrifices for Pro users to make if they switch.
What features of the iPhone 17 Pro are you most excited for? Do you intend to purchase the 17 Air or the Pro? Comment below.
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