iPhone 17 Pro Max tipped to get exclusive telephoto lens upgrade, may outshine Galaxy S25 Ultra

iPhone camera

Apple’s iPhone 17 series is only weeks away from launch, and leaks suggest major upgrades across the lineup. The iPhone 17 Pro Max, in particular, is rumoured to ship with a telephoto lens upgrade that could give it an edge over the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. According to reports from Chinese tipsters, the Pro Max will feature the most advanced telephoto system Apple has ever offered, setting it apart from the rest of the series.

Earlier leaks hinted that both Pro models would include a 48MP telephoto camera, a significant jump from last year’s 12MP sensor. However, well-known Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo speculates that this feature might remain exclusive to the Pro Max. The new lens is also expected to support up to 8x optical zoom with multiple focal lengths. To accommodate the moving telephoto mechanism, Apple may need to expand the camera bump on the iPhone 17 Pro Max. While these details are exciting, it is worth noting that the tipster behind the claims, Instant Digital, does not always have a reliable track record, so final confirmation will only come at launch.

If accurate, the iPhone 17 Pro Max could be the first iPhone to house three 48MP cameras: a primary wide sensor, an ultrawide camera with mechanical aperture, and the upgraded telephoto lens. On the video front, the device is tipped to support 8K recording, surpassing the current 4K limit, along with a new dual video feature that uses both front and rear cameras simultaneously.

Apple is clearly preparing the Pro Max as the standout model of the iPhone 17 series, and if these upgrades materialise, it could position the phone as a stronger rival to Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra in the flagship camera battle.