Is this the last classic iPhone? The iPhone 17 Pro is a quiet announcement of Apple's revolution

September 2025 will mark 16 years since the release of the first iPhone – and Apple is clearly preparing to turn a few pages in its innovation book over the next few generations. While the iPhone 16 Pro (2024) brought some much-anticipated refreshes, the eyes of the tech public are already turning to the to the iPhone 17 Dec. It is a model that will have to represent a bridge in Apple's cycle between the established form of recent years and the more radical changes to come (there is talk of foldable screens and a completely new "Pro" model around the anniversary year of 2027). Below, we take a detailed look at all aspects of the iPhone 17 Pro - from the exterior to the interior and software - highlighting what are the consensus predictions of verified sources and what are just rumors. “not yet realized” rumors.

Fast facts: Apple's next flagship phone, iPhone 17 Pro, is expected to bring mostly evolutionary upgrades: the case will most likely remain very similar to last year's (although opinions are divided regarding the use of titanium or aluminum), the screen will retain the 120 Hz refresh rate, but may not hide Dynamic Iceland under the surface for at least another year. In return, Apple is said to have greatly improved the hardware heart and eyes of the phone - the upcoming A19 Pro chip and triple camera (all three sensors are likely 48 MP) indicate a big jump in performance and photographic capabilities. Under the hood, Apple's own modems and Wi-Fi chips are mentioned, ready for Wi-Fi 7 and the future of 5G, and in the software, the integration of artificial intelligence in iOS 18. The battery should retain all-day autonomy despite the slimmer design, perhaps also with the help of new silicon-anode batteries and somewhat faster charging. Advanced users and tech savvy people in Slovenia can therefore expect a serious but interesting clash between Apple's tradition of slow, thoughtful improvements and the desire for bold innovations.

Design: subtle changes instead of revolution

The exterior of the iPhone 17 Pro should look like this according to recent reports would not deviate drastically from the model design 16 Dec. The reliable Mark Gurman (Bloomberg) warned in his report not to expect a “particularly bold new look” – the front will be similar to hair The iPhone 16 Pro, with the biggest difference reportedly being on the back. According to Gurman, Apple is indeed testing a new camera arrangement in the form of entire horizontal bars (the so-called “camera bar”), but it will retain the same color as the rest of the body, rather than introducing a two-tone contrast. This means that the three cameras on the back will be built into a slightly different, wider protruding module that will stretch across almost the entire width of the phone – similar to some competing models – but discreetly, in the color of the body. Apple is said to introduce this move gradually and without excessive pomp, as the iPhone 17 Pro design it won't be a big departure from the current generation. Provocatively, you could say that Apple “saving fireworks for 2027”, when the iPhone celebrates its 20th anniversary and is only then expected to undergo a real transformation (There is talk of the first foldable iPhone and a completely redesigned Ultra versions, but these are plans for the distant future).

New materials – iPhone 17 Pro

When it comes to materials, an unusual dilemma has developed around the iPhone 17 Pro: titanium vs. aluminum. Apple has been heavily emphasizing the titanium frame in its current Pro models (15 Pro, 16 Pro), replacing the heavier stainless steel. Suddenly, in early 2025, analyst Jeff Pu dropped a “bombshell” that Apple would return to an aluminum frame for three of the four iPhone 17 models. According to his information, the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max will all feature aluminum sides – just the new ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air (more on that below) is said to retain titanium (or a titanium-aluminum combination). The reason? Supposedly environmental sustainability. Aluminum has a lower carbon footprint than titanium in production, and Apple is committed to achieving carbon neutrality across its entire business and products by 2030 (Source: MacRumors). Similar to how it has already started advertising the “first carbon-neutral” devices with some Apple Watch and Mac mini models, certain configurations of the iPhone 17 could also bear this green seal.

But beware: the claim about aluminum in the Pro models has caused a lot of skepticism among experts. The famous Apple leaker with the nickname Instant Digital quickly disputed Puju via the Chinese network Weibo, emphasizing that Apple will almost certainly not release its most expensive phones. “degraded” on the material it uses in the basic models (Source: AndroidAuthority). Titanium as a “premium” material has become part of the marketing story of the Pro line, and it is difficult to imagine how Apple would ship the iPhone 17 Pro with the same aluminum that the much cheaper iPhone 17 already has - this would threaten the differentiation of the more prestigious models. Although the environmental friendliness argument is strong, the switch back to aluminum just two years after the introduction of titanium would be very unusual (after all, the steel frame lasted 6 generations before titanium replaced it). Therefore, many experts believe that Apple will still insist on titanium for the Pro models in 2025. However, it is not excluded that the company is trying to “attack from two sides”: give the thinnest Air model some titanium for strength, and make the Pro models as green with recycled aluminum. There is no definitive confirmation yet, but the consensus of reliable sources suggests that it will The iPhone 17 Pro's case remains very similar, at least in appearance as before – elegantly rounded and perhaps in a new shade (there is talk of a new “Sky Blue” blue, if aluminum will allow for more vibrant color combinations).

To conclude the chapter on design, it is worth highlighting two more trendy innovations: action button (Action Button), which we know from the iPhone 15 Pro, will almost certainly remain and may get even broader functionality in iOS 18. There is also mention of the possibility that the largest model (so far Pro Max) in this generation would be named for the first time. Ultra, which would be in line with Apple's naming for the Apple Watch Ultra and the M1 Ultra chip. Regardless of the name, this "Ultra/Max" is expected to follow the same design guidelines as the smaller Pro. In short: the iPhone 17 Pro will be a safe evolution on the outside - perhaps to the point that casual observers will mistake it for the 16 Pro - but small details (e.g. a wider camera strip, subtly different materials and new color shades) will let tech enthusiasts know that this is the latest model.

Display: ProMotion for all and (yet) incomplete “all-screen”

Apple has raised the displays on iPhone Pros to an enviable level in recent years - top-notch OLED panels with 120 Hz ProMotion refresh rate, exceptional brightness, and support for Always-On display have been a constant since the iPhone 13 Pro. What can we expect from the iPhone 17 Pro? According to all the information gathered, it will size remained the same as its predecessor, the iPhone 16 Pro, is around 6.3 inches (the larger Pro Max is 6.9 inches). These dimensions were revealed last year by analyst Ross Young and are now widely accepted as part of Apple's plans (Source: DSCC). A bigger change is expected in cheaper models: standard iPhone 17 and new ultra-thin 17 Air are expected first time will get 120Hz ProMotion displays. This means that the entire iPhone 17 line, from the most basic to the Pro Max, will offer smooth refresh rates - the end of 60Hz displays on the new iPhones, a move that Apple's ecosystem has needed for some time to catch up with the competition.

The iPhone 17 Pro's display will likely remain at the top of the range in terms of technology: a latest-generation LTPO OLED panel is expected (Samsung's "M14" material is mentioned for even higher brightness and energy efficiency, Source: AppleWorldToday), with a dynamic refresh rate from 1 Hz to 120 Hz, which also allows for improved Always-On Display without excessive battery consumption. Despite some bold speculations, let's not expect, that Apple will manage to completely hide all sensors under the screen this year. Rumors about under-screen Face ID were circulating (Ross Young initially suggested that the iPhone 17 Pro could be the first with a Face ID module under an OLED panel), but he later corrected this information – technology it won't be ready on timeYoung explained that plans for under-screen facial recognition have been pushed back to at least 2026 (iPhone 18 Pro) or even later. This means that the iPhone 17 Pro will also continue to have the recognizable notch at the top of the screen. Dynamic Island, which combines the front camera and projectors for Face ID. Perhaps this “island” will be a little smaller than before (some sources mention slight shrinkage on the 17 Pro Max, but it's probably just a matter of millimeters) – but the front view will remain familiar. The question some are asking is whether it will Is Dynamic Island still relevant?, if Apple puts less emphasis on the special experience around the notch in iOS 18. Either way, it will still be here this year, possibly with some additional functionality in the software.

Let's also mention resolution and display quality: since the iPhone 17 Pro is said to retain a similarly large display, we can expect a similarly high resolution (around 1179 x 2556 pixels) with a density of over 450 ppi. Color accuracy (P3 gamut, HDR10/Dolby Vision) and record brightness (the iPhone 16 Pro is said to reach around 2000 nits of peak brightness) will likely be further enhanced. Perhaps Apple will raise typical brightness for better readability in sunlight and introduced some new adaptive function – e.g. improved Night Shift or smarter power saving with always-on display.

One more interesting thing is ProMotion on the “Air” model – this is not directly related to the Pro, but it indicates a trend: Apple is slowly expanding high refresh to all devices. As a result, the iPhone 17 Pro will no longer be the only 120 Hz iPhone, but it will still probably be the only one (along with the Max) with the feature ProMotion XDR – i.e. the highest levels of luminosity and perhaps still exclusive Always-On We are used to such software blockages (artificial limitations on cheaper models) at Apple, but considering the competition, Apple could even enable always-on for all 17 models (the question is whether it will mention this or just silently enable it).

The end of the screen chapter is not to be missed one potentially provocative moves: Apple engineers were reportedly seriously considering The iPhone 17 Air didn't even have a charging port, so that the screen (and back) would be the only one device interface – no holes. Mark Gurman reveals that Apple considered whether to make this ultra-thin model completely portless, as this would have allowed for an even thinner body and a cleaner design. The idea was eventually scrapped, likely due to regulatory requirements (the EU requires USB-C) and practicality, but the iPhone 17 Air will, as Gurman says, “suggest a move towards thinner, portless models in the future.” This shows Apple’s vision of the screen as the absolute king of the user interface – one day, the entire front panel may indeed be a continuous screen without cutouts, and the device will be free of physical ports. But the iPhone 17 Pro in 2025 remains a step ahead of that: with a premium, but still slightly interrupted display and a single interface (USB-C) at the bottom.

Cameras: Triple 48 MP and AI behind the lenses

If the exterior of the iPhone 17 Pro isn't dramatically different, Apple will try to convince customers with improvements where it counts - in the cameras. And that's where they show promise. noticeable jumpsAnalyst Jeff Pu reports that the iPhone 17 Pro will offer all three rear cameras for the first time 48 megapixels. Apple switched from the long-standing 12 MP to 48 MP for the main (wide-angle) camera in the 2022 iPhone 14 Pro, while the ultra-wide and telephoto lenses remained 12 MP. Now, the telephoto lens is also expected to jump to a 48 MP sensor, and the same is expected to apply to the ultra-wide lens, so the set (wide “Fusion”, ultra-wide and tele) will be a trifecta of 48 million points. Of particular note is telephoto lens: the jump from 12 MP to 48 MP suggests a significantly more powerful zoom. This almost certainly means that the telephoto camera will use periscope system (as currently only the iPhone 15 Pro Max has for 5x optical zoom). With a larger sensor and periscope lens, Apple can achieve not only 5x, but perhaps 6x or more optical zoom without loss of quality, while also using a higher resolution with “crop zoom” it also gains sharpness at intermediate distances (digital zoom with a 48 MP sensor is more useful than with a 12 MP one). In practice, we can expect sharper photos of distant subjects and better results in night mode with zoom, as the larger sensor captures more light.

The main camera (wide) will probably remain 48 MP with Quad-Pixel technology, but maybe with upgraded opticsSome hints suggest that Apple could even use slightly smaller physical sensor like the iPhone 16 Pro to reduce the camera bump – if that’s true, we hope it will compensate with a better sensor (e.g. a newer generation of Sony’s “stacked” sensor) for even faster capture. Either way, the main camera will remain the flagship with an aperture of around f/1.7 and a 24mm equivalent lens, but with the support of the new A19 Pro chip it will be able to take advantage of more processing power for AI processing. Apple is said to be betting heavily on iOS 18 and its new image processor (ISP) computational photography: we expect even more advanced Photonic Engine, possibly new capture modes (there is talk of specially sharpened video processing for Pro models – e.g. 8K recording, better ProRes codec and improved night video recording).

The ultra-wide camera (currently ~13mm equivalent) will likely be upgraded to 48MP, as mentioned, which will be useful for macro photography and darker scenes. With more data, the AI system can better remove noise and combine multiple shots. Perhaps Apple will also add slightly brighter optics (currently it's f/2.2; any improvement will be welcome, as ultra-wide lenses capture less light).

A special chapter is front cameraWhile the selfie camera doesn't usually get as much attention in Pro launches, it could this year. Analyst Jeff Pu claims that they will all iPhone 17 models, including the Pro, will get an upgraded 24MP front-facing camera (which is twice as much as the current 12MP). That means sharper selfies and FaceTime calls, and likely higher resolution support for portrait mode and front-facing shots. Important: Apple will have to be careful not to degrade the Face ID system – a larger sensor and different optics on the front could affect spatial perception for Face ID, but the TrueDepth module will likely remain separate and unchanged. 24 MP on the front is also interesting from the perspective of Apple's AR glasses (Vision Pro) – a higher resolution selfie camera could mean better shots for EyeFaceTime or to capture facial expressions.

Apple traditionally does not participate in the “megapixel race” solely for the sake of numbers, so the changes mentioned also announce software innovationsThe higher resolution of all cameras will be used for these computational zoom (the photo combines data from multiple lenses for optimal results at medium distances), a new portrait mode with the option of post-focusing (perhaps the 17 Pro will be even better at separating the subject from the background using a depth map from multiple cameras), and more advanced HDR. The latter is particularly interesting – the triple 48MP system allows for capturing at three different exposures and focal lengths simultaneously, which Apple can use to generate an almost “computer-generated” image with perfect dynamic range. Sounds like science fiction? Maybe, but the competition (Google, Samsung) is already using similar techniques, and Apple will be able to drive more ambitious goals with a new chip and more memory (see the section on the chip). artificial intelligence algorithms for photography. Last but not least, it is mentioned that the iPhone 17 Pro will get 12 GB of RAM – part of this will certainly be dedicated to AI photo processing in real time (e.g. the “start recording, then choose the best frame and format” function could be one of the AI-driven innovations).

To summarize: the iPhone 17 Pro will improve the cameras in resolution, probably also in optics (greater zoom, perhaps a wider ultra-wide aperture), and will be supported by a powerful new image processor. Confirmed by multiple sources: a 48 MP telephoto lens is practically a given, as is 12 GB of RAM (which indirectly means more space for advanced photo features). It is said: a full-fledged “camera bar” design on the back (Gurman says it will at least be color-coordinated with the case), a slightly thicker Pro Max case for a larger sensor or lens (Source: MacRumors), and testing reverse wireless charging on the 17 Pro prototypes (so that you can charge AirPods or Apple Watch with your iPhone – this feature is reportedly finally being seriously tested by Apple, Source: AppleWorldToday). The latter would make sense if Apple is really aiming for portless future - with a more powerful battery and better thermal management (vapor-chamber cooling is mentioned, more in the next chapter), the iPhone 17 Pro could also offer the function of a charging pad for smaller gadgets.

Processor and chipset: A19 Pro and the brains for the AI era

Like every year, Apple will introduce a new A-series chip in 2025 – this time Apple A19 ProExpectations are high, as it will be the third generation of 3-nanometer lithography (TSMC N3P process), which promises better energy efficiency and even more transistors in the same space. For users, this translates into: more power and longer autonomy, although Apple will likely emphasize progress in the area of artificial intelligence.

The A19 Pro will reportedly be reserved exclusively for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max (the base iPhone 17 and 17 Air will have the “standard” A19, which will be a slightly stripped-down version of the same architecture). With this, Apple continues the practice started with the A17 Pro of dedicating its most advanced GPU capabilities and highest clock speeds to the Pro line, while the cheaper models get either last year’s chip or a variant without some of the top-end components.

What specs can we expect from the A19 Pro? If the 2023 A17 Pro features a 6-core CPU (2 high-performance + 4 low-efficiency) and a 6-core GPU, it's possible that the A19 Pro will step up to 8-core GPU and improved Neural Engine for AI. Already rumors about iOS 18 suggest the integration of a new, so Apple AI/Intelligence system into devices, which will require a lot of real-time computing. Apple is reportedly developing its own generative models (a kind of “Apple GPT”) that would run directly on the device for improved Siri, intelligent content organization, user-awareness prediction, etc. But for something like that, optimizations in the silicon are necessary. So it’s no surprise to hear that the A19 Pro will heavily emphasize machine learning acceleration – maybe with new cores for matrix calculation or expanded Neural Engine capabilities (the 16 cores in previous generations could grow to 32, or at least the cores will be faster and more efficient).

On the other hand, Apple shouldn't neglect raw CPU power. Competitors (Qualcomm, MediaTek) have caught up with Apple in the Android world when it comes to multi-core CPUs, and many expect Apple to respond. The A19 Pro will be built on an architecture likely derived from upcoming Mac chips (M3 or M4 generation), which means next generation cores (maybe named Blizzard/Tempest or something similar, if we follow tradition). These cores should yield ~15% higher single-core performance and an even bigger jump in multi-core due to improvements in task scheduling and more cache.

In addition to the CPU/GPU and Neural Engine, there is also a coprocessor for image signal (ISP), which will be key to the aforementioned cameras. The A19 Pro is said to have a brand new ISP with higher bandwidth so it can process data from three 48MP sensors in real time and record 8K video without overheating. Apple is also rumored to introduce hardware support for AV2 codec (successor to HEVC), thus enabling more efficient storage of next-generation video clips.

Another interesting thing in the chip industry: Apple will start realizing its long-standing desire to launch the iPhone 17 own modems and wireless chipsMing-Chi Kuo and other analysts report that at least one iPhone 17 model (namely the ultra-thin 17 Air) will feature Apple's first C1 5G modem instead of Qualcomm's. This is a huge shift, as Apple has been working on developing its own cellular modem for years after acquiring Intel's division. While the 17 Pro models are expected to still use proven Qualcomm modem chips (to ensure flawless performance for demanding users), Apple will be testing its C1 behind the scenes on the Air model - which users are likely to be less likely to resent any potential issues. In any case, Apple's plan is to switch to its own modems in most devices by 2027. What does this mean for the iPhone 17 Pro this year? It will most likely still have the top-of-the-line Qualcomm X70 or X75 5G modem, with excellent support for all global bands and upgrades for lower power consumption. In addition, it will almost certainly got Apple's own Wi-Fi/Bluetooth chip – sources (Pu, Kuo) agree that the iPhone 17 Pro will be equipped with Apple's new combined wireless chip that supports the standard Wi-Fi 7Wi-Fi 7 is the next big step in wireless networking (multi-gigabit speeds, lower latency, higher reliability), and Apple clearly wants to control this key piece of hardware itself. Moving to its own Wi-Fi radio means better integration with the A19 Pro chip, lower power consumption, and potentially faster rollout of new features (like the Ultra Wideband chip, which Apple already has in-house).

Let's add that the A19 Pro will be powered by 12 GB of RAM memory in the iPhone 17 Pro – that's 50% more than the 16 Pro with 8 GB. Power users feel this when switching apps (less refresh due to lack of RAM) and when multitasking, but the main reason for the jump is probably AI again: Apple's new system Apple Intelligence in iOS 18, it is said to require a lot of memory to run machine learning models locally. Fortunately, 12 GB will be enough to run even demanding scenarios smoothly (e.g., mirroring the environment for Vision Pro glasses, if the iPhone ever does this in the background).

Let's round up: confirmed (with very reliable analyst sources): iPhone 17 Pro = A19 Pro chip, 12GB RAM. Probably: TSMC N3P process for ~10–15% better efficiency, Apple Wi-Fi 7 chip (Kuo and Pu predict this in unison). It is said: its own 5G modem in the Air model (this doesn't directly affect the Pro, except as an indication of where things are going), and that the Pro Max may have a particularly advanced cooling system (according to some reports, the 17 Pro Max is the only one to get one). steam chamber in addition to graphite thermal pads to cope with demanding tasks). The latter means that Apple is counting on really intensive use – whether gaming with ray-tracing graphics or long-term AI processing – and does not want to repeat the fiasco when the first A17 Pro struggled with high temperatures in certain games. The iPhone 17 Pro will therefore smarter and cooler.

Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, satellites, and USB-C remain

Apple has traditionally been slower to introduce new features in the area of connectivity than its competitors, but it's certainly doing so. The iPhone 17 Pro will be an interesting mix of the familiar and the new. As mentioned, Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) is heavily on the radar – this standard brings up to twice the speed of Wi-Fi 6E, better spectrum sharing between devices, and support for 320 MHz channels. According to multiple sources, the iPhone 17 Pro will be equipped with a chip that supports Wi-Fi 7 (and may be Apple's own), which will be very useful for the future of home networks and fast wireless data streaming. Since Apple likes to promote the ecosystem (AirDrop, local SharePlay, Continuity), a faster Wi-Fi connection will benefit everyone who connects devices to each other or uses iCloud/local servers.

On the mobile side, there will be the iPhone 17 Pro, of course 5G SA/NSA device with global support. There will be no visible changes here, except for the possible use of a new modem (if Qualcomm remains, it will probably be the Snapdragon X75). The X75 promises lower power consumption and integrated AI for connection optimization, which coincides nicely with Apple's direction. Nothing revolutionary, but an evolution towards better coverage and less impact on battery.

Satellite connectivity will be present at least in the same form as before – iPhone 14 and 15 introduced the feature SOS messages via satellites (Globalstar system) for emergencies. Apple will definitely keep this service and expand it. For the iPhone 17 series, there are rumors that Apple could go a step further and enable basic two-way messaging outside of emergencies (perhaps through a paid service). It's not yet clear whether this will be in 2025, but technologically there are no obstacles - the existing satellite modem in the phone is capable of sending and receiving short text packets. If Apple wants to add value to the Pro models, it could potentially announce “Satellite Messaging” as a premium feature (for users in remote areas, boaters, mountaineers, etc.). We have not confirmed this yet, so it remains in the realm of speculation. However, we do know that Apple is also working with data satellites – but that's probably still a few years away.

Stays in the game with wired connectivity USB-C connector, as Apple finally switched to it last year. The iPhone 17 Pro will thus have a USB-C port (perhaps still limited to USB 3.2 gen2x1 – 10 Gbps, like the 15 Pro) for charging and connecting accessories. Some had hoped that Apple would upgrade the protocol to the iPhone 17 Thunderbolt/USB4 speeds, but there are no rumors of this happening right now – USB4 will probably be reserved for the future or for Ultra models. But it is confirmed, that Apple even considered removing this port from the Air model, as mentioned above. Of course, they won't do this for the Pro for a while, because professionals value a wired connection (e.g. for recording video to disk, debugging applications, etc.).

But Apple might play around a bit with charging speed. Currently, it officially supports around 27W on the iPhone 15 Pro. Jeff Pu's rumor states that the iPhone 17 line will support charging up to 35WThat would be a nice, but not overly dramatic, jump—still pretty conservative compared to Android rivals (which can handle 60, 80, or 120 W). Apple is betting on battery longevity and safety, so you shouldn't expect them to go overboard with the watts. 35W is probably the upper limit, meaning the Pro model could charge about 10–20 % faster than it does now, if you have the right adapter. For wireless charging MagSafe support will remain (15 W), with the introduction of the standard Qi2 The iPhone 17 Pro will also be compatible with a wider range of wireless chargers that can achieve this power. There will be no revolution here, but rather an evolution - Apple even quietly improved wireless charging on the iPhone 16 Pro (probably efficiency or heat dissipation), and we expect the same with the 17 Pro (it may be able to reach the 15W speed for a longer time without heating up). Reverse wireless charging (as mentioned, tested in prototypes) would be a nice surprise: imagine placing an AirPods case on the back of your iPhone and it will charge. While Androids have known about this functionality for years, Apple has not yet confirmed that it is coming – but it is meaningful, if there ever is an iPhone without a port and we are left with only wireless methods.

Finally, let's mention one more Ultra Wideband chip (U1): The iPhone 17 Pro will almost certainly get the latest generation of UWB chip, which Apple will also introduce in the Apple Watch and other devices (it is rumored to be the U2 chip). This will improve Precise search (Find My) features, faster connection to HomePod, AirTag improvements, etc. Also Bluetooth will be 5.3 or later, with the possibility of supporting LE Audio (Apple has not yet unlocked it, but the devices are ready mechanically). The iPhone 17 Pro will therefore be up to date in terms of connectivity, although we may not see any new antennas sticking out of it - the antennas will actually be even more hidden if the upper part of the back is metal (the aluminum camera bar can also serve as an antenna splitter). With the combination of aluminum, titanium and glass, Apple will have to carefully design the antennas for 5G mmWave (presumably still small windows on the edge), but engineers are already seasoned in this.

Confirmed/Expected: Wi-Fi 7 support, USB-C remains, 5G continues (at least one model with an Apple modem – Air). It is said: 35W charging (source mentioned, but some doubt this improvement), possible reverse wireless charging, satellite functions outside of SOS. But it will definitely be the iPhone 17 Pro the most connected iPhone ever, even if there may be fewer physical ports than before.

Software news: iOS 18 and the breakthrough of artificial intelligence

Hardware is only part of the story – Apple builds its advantage through tight integration with software. The iPhone 17 Pro will run on iOS 18, which is expected to be one of the biggest updates in recent years. While iOS 17 was relatively modest (message improvements, customizable lock screen, etc.), iOS 18 is expected to bring a generous dose of artificial intelligence into the user experience (Source: The Information, Bloomberg). It has already been leaked to the public that Apple is internally testing something called “Apple Intelligence”, which is said to be a set of features that use generative AI and contextual learning.

What does this specifically mean for an iPhone 17 Pro user? A few examples are mentioned:

• Smarter Siri: Siri is finally getting an update in iOS 18 to understand and generate more natural responses. According to some reports, Apple is working on large language model (LLM) for Siri, which would run partly in the cloud and partly on on-device to preserve privacy. The iPhone 17 Pro, with its A19 Pro and Neural Engine, will be the ideal platform for this – perhaps some AI features like advanced Siri 2.0 understanding, exclusive to the next-generation A19/Neural Engine. We're already hearing that some iOS 18 features require at least an iPhone 15 Pro with 8GB of RAM to even work (internally dubbed "Personal Voice" and "Personal Context" are said to be limited to newer models, Source: MacRumors Forums). With 12GB of RAM, the iPhone 17 Pro qualifies here safely.
• Generative functions in applications: iOS 18 is expected to bring features like automatic album creation in Photos (based on recognized content using AI), smart text writing in Notes/Mail (some kind of built-in “autocomplete” or “Compose with AI” button), maybe even a ChatGPT-like assistant within system settings, which explains settings or helps you set up your phone in natural language. Apple will likely market these capabilities under the name Apple Intelligence – and the iPhone 17 Pro will be touted as the “smartest iPhone ever” because of them. Sources close to Apple say that some AI features have been delayed and won’t be ready with the launch of iOS 18, but only in updates during 2025 (Source: The Verge, MacRumors). This means that the iPhone 17 Pro will get new tricks throughout its first year, which Apple will be happy to highlight.
• iOS 18 design and other new features: There is also talk of a slightly revamped look (perhaps a more “card” interface to better display AI suggestions), but interactive widgets on the home screen, which will be able to contain buttons and real-time updates. The latter is already in the testing phase and we have no doubt that it will be part of iOS 18 – the iPhone 17 Pro will support more out of the box vibrant home screen, where you can, for example, control music, lights, or check the weather directly on the widget, without opening the app.
• AR and Vision Pro integration: Apple's first headset coming in 2024/25 Vision Pro and the iPhone 17 Pro will likely be touted as the perfect partner for it. iOS 18 could include features that allow for seamless transition of content from iPhone to Vision Pro (Continuity Camera for VR calls, 3D shots from iPhone that you watch in the glasses, etc.). Where does AI fit in here? For example, in the Camera app – the iPhone 17 Pro could get a recording mode spatial video (Apple has hinted that future iPhones will be able to capture video for Vision Pro.) That would require using the ultrawide camera and the main camera at the same time, and a lot of processing, but the 17 Pro would be hardware-implemented. If Apple makes it possible, it would be a major software innovation (and likely another dividing line between Pro and non-Pro models).

Last but not least, there is security and privacy – Apple will certainly emphasize that all these new intelligent features respect privacy (much of the machine learning is said to be done locally on the device). The iPhone 17 Pro will be able to do more autonomous AI tasks thanks to its more powerful chip, instead of relying on servers. This is also one of the advantages that Apple will present in the fight against Google and OpenAI: “Our AI is on your phone and doesn't send your data anywhere”.

To summarize: Software-wise, the iPhone 17 Pro will depend a lot on iOS 18 and what Apple shows off at WWDC 2025. Confirmed is that Apple is preparing generative AI functions (Mark Gurman, for example, reported that Apple sees flawed AI as a threat to the future and is investing heavily in “Apple GPT”; internal memos also indicate this, Source: Bloomberg). Very likely: redesigned Siri, smart suggestions throughout the system, more “on-device” intelligence for photo/video editing. It is said: that Apple might even open up some Apple Intelligence APIs for developers, so that third-party apps can take full advantage of the A19 chip's machine learning - which of course will only be available on a handful of the latest devices. The iPhone 17 Pro is among them, and will carry the banner of the "AI iPhone."

The tone of Jan Macarol's article would probably slightly raise Apple's eyebrows at this point: will the company that once introduced a smart assistant before anyone else (Siri in 2011) now be able to catch up with Alexa and ChatGPT? The iPhone 17 Pro will certainly be the best tool Apple has for this feat - if it doesn't work out with it, then Apple's “AI breakthrough” It's really late. We advanced users will be closely monitoring whether the promised "intelligent" features will actually be delivered or if Apple will pull some things back and postpone them until the release (we're already hearing that some AI features won't be available right at launch, which would be a bit disappointing, but not the first time).

Battery and charging: thinner phones, smarter batteries?

Every year, Apple strives to improve energy efficiency – either with larger batteries or more energy-efficient electronics, ideally both. The iPhone 17 Pro will reportedly offer a 100% faster battery life, despite its powerful new chip and display. at least equally, if not better battery autonomy than its predecessor. This will be helped by the more economical 3nm A19 Pro, but also by possible innovations in the battery itself.

It has been suggested for some time that Apple is testing newer chemical compositions batteries. The iPhone 17 specifically mentions the first use of the so-called silicon-anode batteries (silicon-anode batteries). These batteries have silicon in the anode instead of (or in addition to) graphite, which allows for higher energy density – simply put, more mAh per volume, while also having better fast charging behavior. A report from Asia states that Apple supplier TDK is preparing a new generation of such batteries and that Apple could use them first in the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air. Makes sense: if you want to make a phone 5-6 mm thick, you have to use the densest battery, otherwise the capacity will be too small. Information from analysts (Ming-Chi Kuo) confirms that the iPhone 17 Air will have “high density” battery. For the iPhone 17 Pro, which will not be as extremely thin, it is not entirely clear whether it will get the same technology - but if it is available, why not? Apple may only install the new batteries in the Air for the first year due to stock, and equip the Pro models with slightly more conventional (but still improved) Li-ion cells.

In numbers: speculation says the iPhone 17 Pro will have a battery of around 3300–3500mAh, Pro Max is around 4800–5000mAh. These numbers are similar to the 15/16 generation, but due to optimizations, they can achieve longer autonomy despite the same capacity. Mark Gurman claims that even the ultra-thin 17 Air, despite its physically smaller 2800 mAh battery, should last “similar to current iPhones” thanks to hardware and software optimizations. If this is true for the Air, then there should be no worries for the Pro, which has more battery space. At the same time, the report The Information He adds, somewhat ominously, that Apple has internally detected a decline in the percentage of users who can last a full day without charging, with only 60-70% of iPhone 17 Air users reportedly achieving %. All-Day Battery, while in previous models this proportion is 80–90 %. Apple took this seriously – it is said to even plan to offer the Air separately housing with additional battery (battery cover) to appease demanding users. Again, this is specific to the slim model. The Pro models do not have such a concern; on the contrary, the Pro may have even better autonomy, because there will be fewer compromises. But still: Apple does not like negative headlines about the battery (remember the “batterygate” affair), so we can expect them to emphasize at the presentation how the 17 Pro despite all the news achieves at least X hours of video playback, Y hours of conversations, etc., if not more.

We have already partially discussed charging: 35W is said to be a new limit for wired charging. Although it is interesting that some sources (e.g. the famous leaker ShrimpApplePro) have shown that the iPhone 16 Pro already draws almost 40 W under the right conditions, although they do not officially admit this. It is possible that Apple will simply certify more powerful adapters and cables and say: yes, take advantage of 35 W. In practice, this will mean about 5-10 minutes faster charging from 0 to 100 %. Wireless remains MagSafe 15W, which hasn't changed. But maybe Apple will add support for the new Qi2 standard with 15W even on non-MagSafe chargers (because Qi2 uses the same magnetic alignment). O reverse charging – if it does, it will probably be software-limited to only turn on in certain cases (charging headphones, watches) and not for another phone, but we'll see.

Durability and batteries go hand in hand. As mentioned with materials, Apple places a strong emphasis on environmentally friendly movesWhen it comes to batteries, one of Apple's key commitments is that by 2025, it will use 100% recycled cobalt in all the batteries it designs (this includes the iPhone) – this goal has been publicly announced and the iPhone 17 Pro will probably be the first to meet it. So we can say that the battery of this phone is a little more “green”, although the user does not see it directly. He will notice more if the battery holds its capacity better after 2-3 years. Will silicon anodes or other chemistry improve lifetime (number of cycles) is not yet clear – it would be a nice advantage if the battery no longer had 87% capacity after 500 cycles, but perhaps 92%. This would reduce the need for replacements and once again emphasize durability.

Confirmed/probable: The iPhone 17 Pro will have similar or better battery life than its predecessor (Mark Gurman says it will be comparable to the best current iPhones). It is said: introduction of a new type of battery (Kuo confirms for the Air, we're still guessing for the Pro), slightly faster wired charging (there's no consensus, but several sources mention 35 W). It is confirmed, that Apple takes thinness and batteries so seriously that it won't even shy away from accessories - with a battery case for the iPhone 17 Air, it suggests that they may also introduce new MagSafe battery accessories for all models, which would allow Pro users to extend their autonomy on trips without finding an outlet.

Last but not least, there is also product durability in terms of software support: iPhone 17 Pro will almost certainly get at least 5 years of iOS updates, probably even 6 years, given that Apple is extending the lifespan (e.g. the 2018 iPhone XS will get iOS 17 and possibly 18). This means that the battery will be the only consumable item – and Apple will be very vocal about how long this phone can last on a single battery (of course, they promise “all-day battery”, this is already a marketing constant). For advanced users, it is also crucial that the iPhone 17 Pro will support all upcoming USB-C PD 3.1 power adapters standard, which means charging will be flexible - from a laptop charger to a power bank, it will optimize current everywhere and absorb as much as is safe.

Conclusion: confirmed vs. rumor and what's next

A clear picture emerges from the above chapters: iPhone 17 Pro is designed as a device that drank the details and brings key upgrades where tech enthusiasts expect them – especially in the cameras, chipset and connectivity. At the same time, it won’t make a bold design leap that would risk the proven formula. This is in the style of Apple’s “tic-tock” strategy of iterations: one year a more significant change (e.g. last year a new material – titanium, and this year consolidation and improvements within that framework).

So what is (almost) certainly confirmed? Based on the consensus of sources such as Mark Gurman (Bloomberg), Ming-Chi Kuo, Ross Young, and information gathered by MacRumors, 9to5Mac, etc., we can state the following with a high degree of confidence:

• Design: The iPhone 17 Pro will be very similar in design to the 16 Pro; the body will probably still use premium materials (either titanium or aluminum, in any case metal + glass), the camera design will be slightly adjusted (no more separate “islands” around each lens, but more of a closed band), the color palette will include at least one new color. Nothing revolutionary, but recognizably Apple.
• Display: 6.3” 120 Hz OLED, with the same notch (Dynamic Island) as before. No under-display tricks this year, but top-notch display quality. Base models are approaching Pro with 120 Hz, as confirmed by Ross Young.
• Cameras: Triple 48+48+48 MP system with improved tele-zoom (5–6× optical). Photography will be the focus of the presentation – Apple will boast that all three lenses now have the same high resolution and thus pro level performance. Video on the Pro Max might get some exclusive trick (because it's bigger and has better cooling for, say, 8K 60 fps? Hard to say, but it was mentioned that Apple will emphasize video on the 17 Pro). The 24 MP selfie camera will be a nice surprise for anyone who likes to record themselves.
• Processor and memory: A19 Pro on 3nm (3rd generation), faster, with a strong focus on AI. 12 GB RAM confirmed for Pro Max, almost certainly for Pro as well (analysts are in agreement here). Pro and Pro Max exclusive to this chip, other models not.
• Connectivity: USB-C remains (of course), Wi-Fi 7 confirmed, next-generation UWB, 5G improved. Maybe a small boost in charging (but no big deal here, Apple won't make a big show of it).
• Software: iOS 18 will be a big part of the story – generative AI and smart features will set the iPhone 17 Pro apart from its predecessors, some of which may be exclusive (requiring the A19 Pro). The fact that the iPhone 17 Pro will be the first iPhone designed with an emphasis on the AI era makes it special.

What remains in the realm of rumors? Especially those areas where resources are divided:

• Case material (titanium vs aluminum): Opinions are divided here. Jeff Pu says aluminum (due to environmental goals), others doubt it. This will probably be unclear until the last minute, maybe we'll find out just before launch from more reliable sources. leakers. Either way, Apple will turn the tables: if it's aluminum, they'll emphasize recycling and lightness; if it's titanium, they'll say "we're still using space-age material for the Pro."
• Naming (Ultra) and Pro vs Pro Max differences: Will the Pro Max become an Ultra and get some exclusive goodies? Rumors say that maybe only the Pro Max will get vapor-chamber cooling and, say, 12 GB of RAM (Kuo even allegedly indicated that only the largest model will get 12 GB, the others 8 GB, but other sources denied this - both Pros will probably have 12 GB). The periscope telephoto will be on both Pros, but maybe the Pro Max will have an even longer focal length (say, 6× instead of 5× on the smaller one? It is not confirmed, but the previous generation had this difference). These are speculations that will only be resolved by Apple (or the last month before the release, when accurate data usually leaks from the supply chains).
• Portless vision: The iPhone 17 Air might be the boldest prediction of the future (super thin, almost no compromises except for the battery). If it's successful, it's almost certain that an iPhone 18 or 19 Pro will try to be doorless. Gurman hints at this, and it seems likely. But the iPhone 17 Pro isn't that yet – hence the rumors about possible We can ignore the faster USB-C on the Pro until at least 2026/27.
• Price: Of course, sources don't like to reveal this, but unofficially it sounds like Apple could, due to expensive materials and new technologies (especially if the 17 Pro is made of aluminum and the Air is made of titanium - a bit of confusion in the line) adjusted prices slightly. In the US, the iPhone 15 Pro cost 999 $, the Pro Max 1199 $ (for the basic capacity). If they introduce Ultra branding, the Ultra could start at 1199 $ and the Pro (smaller) could remain 999 $. In Europe, and thus Slovenia, prices are already very high (about €1300 for the Pro). Let's hope Apple won't be too provocative here - but there is no official informationIn light of inflation and more expensive components, a slight increase is not ruled out.

For advanced Slovenian users The iPhone 17 Pro will therefore be interesting mainly as fine refinement an already very advanced iPhone. There may not be one “wow” feature that will leave everyone speechless (like the fingerprint reader or Face ID were years ago), but the set of improvements will be significant: photographers will get a tool that even more rivals DSLRs (48 MP zoom and 24 MP selfies are a big deal), developers and geeks will appreciate the opening up of Apple’s AI potential, and general users will enjoy an even smoother, lag-free experience, with a battery that easily gets through the day. Apple will add its own icing on the cake by introducing these innovations while carefully navigating between tradition (proven design) and the future (AR, AI, portless).

At the end of the day, it seems like the iPhone 17 Pro will be primarily laid the foundations: Apple is preparing the ground for a major anniversary redesign in a few years, but until then it needs to stay competitive. And given all that's gathered, we can say that it will be - perhaps without a revolution, but enough evolution to entice even the most demanding tech enthusiasts to consider an upgrade. Or as Jan Macarola might slightly sarcastically remark: "The iPhone 17 Pro will be further proof that Apple knows how to cook a frog - slowly raising the temperature of innovation so that users don't even realize when we're deep into the future."