Apple iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max to get massive camera upgrade: Likely to get an 8x optical zoom and a brand new lens system

iPhone 17 Pro

Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are tipped to bring major enhancements in the camera department. According to a new report, the flagship models could introduce 8x optical zoom and a brand-new Pro Camera app tailored for advanced photography and video features. These upgrades would mark a significant step up from the 5x optical zoom seen on the current iPhone 16 Pro Max.

8x optical zoom and new lens system
As per the leak cited by MacRumors, the iPhone 17 Pro series will feature a redesigned telephoto lens capable of offering up to 8x optical zoom. The lens will reportedly be capable of movement to allow for continuous zoom across a range of focal lengths, instead of fixed zoom levels. This would put the iPhone 17 Pro Max in closer competition with flagship Android phones offering long-range optical zoom, such as Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra.

New Pro Camera app could rival third-party apps
The iPhone 17 Pro models are also expected to get a new Pro Camera app, aimed at advanced users who require more control over image and video settings. The app could serve as Apple’s alternative to third-party camera apps like Halide, Filmic Pro, and Kino. While it is not yet confirmed whether this new app will be exclusive to the Pro models, it could either be an entirely new offering or an extension of the existing Final Cut Camera app.

Other expected camera upgrades
The Pro models are also rumoured to sport a 48-megapixel telephoto camera and a 12-megapixel front-facing camera. The iPhone 17 Pro series could also introduce a new Camera Control button on the top edge, in addition to the one already present on the iPhone 16 Pro’s right-hand edge. A new copper-like finish and a repositioned Apple logo at the centre are also tipped.

Hardware and performance
Under the hood, the iPhone 17 Pro series is expected to run on Apple’s A19 Pro chip and include 12GB of RAM. Other features may include a vapour chamber cooling system and a scratch-resistant, anti-reflective display. Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 lineup in September.