One major update is the redesign of Dynamic Island, which is the pill-shaped area at the top of the screen for the camera and sensors; it’s set to become smaller or differently shaped for the first time since its introduction.
The Pro versions might also see upgrades in their camera system, with improvements or changes planned for at least two cameras. This could mean better photo quality or new camera features for users.
The new phones will include a “much narrower Dynamic Island,” according to a research note for investment bank Haitong International by analyst Jeff Pu, and spotted by MacRumors.
The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are set to introduce some notable upgrades:
Dynamic Island
This feature, which cleverly hides the front camera and sensors in a black lozenge that changes size for notifications, will become smaller.
This change is due to a new smaller metalens for Face ID, enhancing the screen’s appearance by making the cutout less obtrusive. While initially mentioned for the Pro Max, it’s likely the Pro model will benefit too.
Camera Upgrades
The cameras on these models are getting a boost. The front-facing camera will jump from 12 megapixels to 24 megapixels, improving selfie quality significantly.
Meanwhile, the telephoto camera will upgrade to a 48-megapixel sensor. This means all rear cameras on the Pro models will be 48 megapixels, offering much better photo detail.
Memory Increase
Both the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are expected to feature 12GB of RAM, up from 8GB in their predecessors. This increase will help with multitasking and running heavier applications more smoothly.
Display Sizes
The screen sizes will stay consistent with the current models, with the Pro at 6.3 inches and the Pro Max at 6.9 inches.
Apple Processor
They’ll be powered by the A19 Pro chip, made using a 3-nanometer process. This chip should offer improved performance and efficiency, although it won’t be the 2nm tech some had hoped for, which might come with the iPhone 18 series.
These changes suggest that Apple is focusing on refining the user experience with better displays, cameras, and performance capabilities for its 2025 lineup.
