According to MacRumors, the upgrade will reportedly be paired with a dedicated pro camera app designed to give users enhanced manual controls and professional-grade photography options.

The 8x telephoto lens is expected to deliver much sharper detail for distant subjects, making it Apple’s most advanced camera system yet.

This supposed addition is set to build on the periscope-style telephoto lens introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro Max, but with greater zoom range and improved image stabilisation.

The pro camera app is also said to include features like adjustable focus peaking, expanded RAW support, and enhanced video settings aimed at content creators and professionals.

Beyond the camera improvements, the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are said to feature thinner bezels and a redesigned aluminium frame, making the devices lighter.

Reports also suggest Apple will continue its focus on performance and on-device machine-learning with Apple Intelligence, with the new A19 Bionic chip expected to deliver better energy efficiency and AI-driven enhancements across photography, video, and overall system performance.

Display upgrades are also reportedly on the cards, with insiders claiming the Pro models could feature brighter OLED panels which are scratch-resistant and anti-reflective, like those seen on Samsung’s Galaxy S24 and S25 Ultra handsets.

The iPhone 17 Pro lineup may also benefit from expanded battery life thanks to Apple’s ongoing improvements in battery chemistry and chip efficiency.

Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 range in September 2025 alongside the next major update, iOS 26.