Apple’s next-generation iPhone 17 Pro upgrade is expected to launch in early September this year, and it could introduce the company’s most ambitious photographic upgrade yet. According to a MacRumors-sourced tipster, the flagship models will be accompanied by an 8x optical zoom, a dedicated Pro-level Camera app, and a second Camera Control button alongside a trio of 48MP rear sensors. The upgrade is in line with the company’s dedication toward redefining what a smartphone camera can really do.
Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 Pro could deliver the biggest camera upgrade in the lineup’s history yet
The iPhone 17 Pro models will be launched alongside the iPhone 17 Air and the iPhone 17, making them the most premium models out of the bunch. The company has planned various design changes for the Pro and Pro Max devices, but it did not shy away from adding a handful of functionality upgrades as well. The tipster claims that Apple is working with agencies to produce marketing material for the devices, including the promo videos which the company showcases on stage, and the latest leak potentially originated from it. Check out what major changes are expected, according to the tipster.
8x Telephoto Lens: A Moveable Module for Continuous Zoom
Compared to the current iPhone 16 Pro Max with a 5x optical zoom with a fixed lens, the iPhone 17 Pro will feature a telephoto lens that reportedly moves within its housing. This would enable continuous focal adjustments with up to 8x optical zoom, a significant upgrade over the current generation of the technology. Moreover, it also represents a major leap forward in hardware sophistication and control for the end user, offering more flexibility.
An Additional Camera Control Button
We have only heard this once, but the iPhone 17 Pro models could be gearing up to introduce another Camera Control button, a highly unlikely addition. Apple introduced the Camera Control button with the iPhone 16 lineup, and it may be too early for the company to introduce another button with the same characteristics. The most plausible reason for the company could be to make it easier for users to reach the button in portrait orientation, but still, the rumor seems highly unlikely. We have seen leaked molds and cases for the Pro iPhone 17 models, and none of them had a cutout for an additional Camera Control button.
A New Built-In Pro Camera App
Apple is said to be developing a full-featured Pro Camera app for both photos and videos, positioned as a native competitor to apps like Halide, Kino, and Filmic Pro. While details on the app’s interface and full feature set remain scarce, the experience is described as more than just an update, as it will feature advanced manual controls, multi-lens support, and tailored workflows for creators and users alike.
The iPhone 17 Pro models are slated to come with a trio of 48MP cameras, which includes the telephoto lens. Early rumors have also stated that Apple will give the iPhone 17 Pro the ability to capture video from the front and back camera simultaneously, which could be a pretty neat addition for vlogs and content creators. If these rumors hold up, the iPhone 17 Pro may redefine what a smartphone camera can do—featuring industry-leading optical zoom, a polished professional interface for photographers and videographers with the new Pro Camera App, and an intuitive design upgrade.
AppleRadar readers tracking details on the iPhone 17 lineup can expect further confirmation and refutation as Apple’s launch nears.
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