The iPhone 17 lineup is expected to launch on September 9. As the date approaches, more leaks are surfacing, with the latest hinting that only the Pro Max model will receive a telephoto breakthrough.

Most powerful telephoto lens yet?

According to Chinese leaker Instant Digital on Weibo, the iPhone 17 Pro Max will boast a 48MP telephoto camera with enhanced zoom capabilities. While details remain vague, rumors suggest an optical zoom of up to 8x, potentially setting a new standard for smartphone photography.

Initially, reports claimed both the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max would feature the new telephoto lens. However, recent leaks indicate Apple may reserve it exclusively for the Pro Max, reinforcing its position as the premium flagship.

This strategy follows Apple’s history of giving Pro Max models unique hardware advantages. For example, the iPhone 8 Plus was the first to feature dual optical image stabilization, and the iPhone 12 Pro Max debuted with a larger sensor and sensor-shift stabilization unavailable on smaller models.

Over time, Apple has often scaled such features down to regular Pro versions, meaning the 48MP telephoto camera could become standard in future generations.

Skepticism remains, but track record adds weight

While many in the tech community remain cautious, Instant Digital has a proven record of accurate leaks. The source correctly predicted the yellow iPhone 14 and the new camera control button on the iPhone 16. However, not all past claims have materialized - such as an all-glass Apple Watch - so skepticism persists until Apple’s official September event.

If accurate, the iPhone 17 Pro Max could debut with the most powerful telephoto system Apple has ever created, offering a 48MP sensor and possibly 8x optical zoom, though likely exclusive to the Pro Max variant.

Hai Phong