With more than 15 new products anticipated this fall, Apple is expected to place its biggest bets on the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, alongside a new ultra-thin model called iPhone 17 Air.

Below are seven groundbreaking features likely to appear on the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max.

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Concept iPhone 17 Pro Max. Photo: Technizo Concept

A19 Pro chip: Apple’s most powerful yet

Apple is set to upgrade its flagship models with the next-generation A-series chip, the A19 Pro. Designed exclusively for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, this chip is said to deliver record-breaking performance. Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 Air will use a custom variant, and the standard iPhone 17 will feature the base A19 chip. The A19 Pro is expected to significantly enhance performance, particularly for AI-powered features under the Apple Intelligence suite.

Major camera upgrades: 24MP front, 48MP telephoto

Apple is giving the front-facing camera a long-awaited upgrade from 12MP to 24MP across the iPhone 17 lineup, promising much sharper selfies and video calls. On the rear, the telephoto lens will jump to 48MP, bringing all three cameras on the Pro models to a uniform 48MP resolution – a significant leap in mobile photography capabilities.

12GB RAM for seamless AI performance

In the AI era, RAM capacity is more crucial than ever. Previous users were disappointed when some AI features were limited due to insufficient memory. The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will reportedly ship with 12GB of RAM – a 50% increase over the iPhone 16 Pro’s 8GB. This ensures smoother handling of complex tasks and optimal support for Apple Intelligence.

Improved anti-glare, scratch-resistant display

While the iPhone 17 Air and base model may inherit some premium display features, the Pro versions will stand out with enhanced anti-reflective and scratch-resistant screens. These improvements are rumored to be based on Apple’s “nano-texture” technology from the Studio Display, reengineered for greater durability and practicality.

Longest-lasting battery ever in an iPhone

The iPhone 17 Pro Max is set to become Apple’s battery champion. While the Pro version will see minimal battery changes, the Pro Max will be slightly thicker to accommodate a significantly larger battery - ideal for users who demand all-day power without compromise.

New design: Aluminum frame and camera bar

The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will also undergo a design overhaul. Apple plans to replace the titanium frame (introduced in the iPhone 15 Pro) with aluminum, enabling bolder color options like orange and deep blue alongside traditional silver and black. A new horizontal camera bar will also debut, reminiscent of Google’s Pixel design, further emphasizing professional photography functions.

Advanced vapor chamber cooling system

Only the iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to feature a vapor chamber cooling system paired with graphite thermal layers. This upgrade addresses heat management during high-performance tasks, especially when running AI-powered applications, ensuring consistent and reliable performance.

iPhone 17 Pro Max: A premium upgrade worth considering?

These new features show Apple’s commitment to delivering the most powerful, feature-rich iPhone ever. While the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air will appeal to style-conscious users, the Pro Max is likely the top pick for those prioritizing performance, photography, and battery life.

Equipped with the A19 Pro chip, 12GB RAM, a 24MP front camera, triple 48MP rear cameras, a fresh design, and improved thermal management, the iPhone 17 Pro Max could be Apple’s most advanced phone to date.

Hai Phong