Apple raised the bar again with the debut of the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max at its 2025 “Awe Dropping” event. These models are more than just yearly upgrades—they’re the centerpiece of Apple’s new lineup, showing off the best design, performance, and features the company has ever packed into a smartphone.
Compared to the iPhone 16 Pro, the differences are striking. The new Pro models are slimmer, stronger, and brighter, with a completely redesigned camera system and the all-new A19 Pro chip. Apple also expanded storage to a massive 2TB on the Pro Max, making it the go-to device for creators and power users who need space and speed.
The iPhone 17 Pro is the thinnest, lightest Pro model Apple has ever made. Its aerospace-grade aluminum frame balances elegance with durability, giving it a sleek profile that feels comfortable to hold.
Both the front and back are protected by Ceramic Shield 2, Apple’s toughest glass yet. It’s up to three times more scratch resistant and four times more crack resistant than before, making the phone better equipped to handle everyday wear.
One of the biggest design shifts is the new “plateau” on the back. This precision-milled section neatly houses the cameras, sensors, and Apple silicon, maximizing internal space without sacrificing looks.
For those who love big screens, the iPhone 17 Pro Max jumps to a 6.9-inch display, offering even more real estate for games, movies, and multitasking.
The Super Retina XDR display is back, now with even more enhancements. It supports ProMotion with an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, delivering buttery-smooth scrolling and dynamic graphics whether you’re gaming or just browsing.
Apple also brought the Always-On display from its Pro models into the lineup, so you can glance at time, notifications, or widgets without waking the phone.
A major standout is brightness: the iPhone 17 Pro lineup hits 3000 nits outdoors, the highest ever on an iPhone. Combined with an anti-reflection coating, it’s easier to see your screen clearly in direct sunlight.
Add in improved contrast and color accuracy, and this display doesn’t just look better—it sets a new standard for smartphones.
Apple equipped the iPhone 17 Pro models with three 48MP cameras—Main, Ultra Wide, and Telephoto—that together deliver the equivalent of eight lenses. The Pro Max gets an even larger tetraprism telephoto sensor, giving it sharper long-range shots.
Thanks to the updated Photonic Engine, photos look more true-to-life in any lighting. You’ll notice richer detail, brighter colors, and better performance in low light, where older models used to struggle.
The front camera sees one of the boldest upgrades: a new 18MP square sensor, the first of its kind on iPhone. It automatically adjusts framing with AI to keep you centered during selfies and video calls.
With Dual Capture, you can record from the front and back cameras at the same time, a dream feature for vloggers and creators. Plus, videos are smoother than ever thanks to ultra-stabilized 4K HDR recording.
Apple is doubling down on professional video features. The iPhone 17 Pro supports ProRes RAW and Log 2, giving filmmakers more flexibility in post-production.
For studio-level workflows, there’s genlock syncing, which allows multiple cameras to stay perfectly in sync during shoots.
Audio isn’t overlooked either: the phone records in Spatial Audio, while built-in wind noise reduction ensures cleaner, clearer sound.
Apple’s new A19 Pro chip is the heartbeat of the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, pushing performance to levels no smartphone has hit before.
The six-core CPU delivers industry-leading efficiency, keeping everything from daily tasks to heavy apps running smoothly without draining your battery. Gamers will love the five-core GPU, which brings 3× more compute power, making mobile gaming feel closer to console quality.
On top of raw speed, Apple added neural accelerators built into every GPU core, designed to power on-device AI and Apple Intelligence. This means features like real-time translation and smart photo enhancements run faster and more securely without relying on the cloud.
Connectivity also got a major boost with the N1 wireless chip, enabling Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread support for next-gen reliability and speed. And with the C1X modem, you get 2× faster performance while using 30% less energy, so streaming, calls, and downloads are smoother than ever.
With a redesigned internal architecture that makes more room for the battery, the iPhone 17 Pro lineup delivers dependable all-day power. Whether you’re working, streaming, or gaming, you can expect your phone to keep up.
iOS 26 introduces an Adaptive Power Mode that learns your usage patterns and automatically conserves energy when you’re running low. It’s like having a built-in safety net for those extra-long days.
When you do need to recharge, the iPhone 17 Pro supports fast charging up to 50% in just 20 minutes via USB-C. For even more flexibility, Apple introduced a thinner MagSafe battery pack that snaps right on to extend video playback up to 40 hours when paired with the phone’s internal battery.
The iPhone 17 Pro ships with iOS 26, bringing both a fresh look and smarter tools. The Liquid Glass design refresh makes the interface more fluid and immersive, while still feeling familiar.
One standout feature is Live Translation, which can instantly translate both text and audio across languages inside Messages, FaceTime, and Phone. There’s also AI-powered screenshot search, letting you find and act on information from anything on your screen.
New call and message filtering tools cut down on distractions, letting you focus on what matters most. And for fun, iOS 26 introduces the Apple Games app—a central hub for all your mobile gaming—as well as meaningful updates to CarPlay, Maps, and Music.
Apple continues its push toward the future with an eSIM-only design in the iPhone 17 Pro models. Removing the physical SIM tray helps keep the form factor slim and light while also simplifying connectivity.
There are also security perks. Since an eSIM cannot be physically removed, it makes stolen iPhones harder to tamper with. Switching carriers or activating service is also faster and more seamless than ever.
With support from over 500 carriers worldwide, including roaming options in more than 200 countries, the eSIM makes it easier to stay connected while traveling—without juggling tiny plastic cards.
The iPhone 17 Pro starts at $1,099 with 256GB of storage, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max begins at $1,199 and scales up to an impressive 2TB—a first for Apple.
To help with the upgrade, Apple’s trade-in program offers credits when swapping in an iPhone 13 or newer, and select carrier deals make the switch even more affordable.
Preorders open on Friday, September 12, 2025, at 5 a.m. PDT, with availability beginning Friday, September 19 in more than 60 countries. Another 22 regions will see availability a week later, on September 26.
Apple rolled out a fresh lineup of MagSafe-compatible accessories designed specifically for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max.
The new TechWoven case joins the classic Silicone and Clear cases, each offering reliable protection without hiding the sleek design of the phone. For those who want extra style and function, the Crossbody Strap—made from 100% recycled yarns—adds convenience and comfort while keeping your phone close.
Power options also got an upgrade. Apple introduced a high-wattage Dynamic Power Adapter and a Qi2-certified MagSafe Charger for faster, more reliable charging at home or on the go. Pair that with the new MagSafe Battery, a slimmer pack that seamlessly attaches to the back of your iPhone and extends playback up to 40 hours.
The iPhone 17 Pro lineup isn’t just powerful—it’s also Apple’s most eco-friendly Pro series to date.
Each device is made with 30% recycled materials overall, including 80% recycled titanium in the frame and 100% recycled cobalt in the battery. Even the new titanium USB-C port uses a 3D-printed process that cuts material waste by one-third.
Apple also shifted packaging to be fully fiber-based and recyclable, eliminating plastic and making unboxing more sustainable.
These changes align with Apple’s 2030 carbon-neutral plan, which aims to make the company’s entire product lineup carbon neutral within the decade.
If you’re torn between the Pro and the Pro Max, here’s where they differ.
The iPhone 17 Pro has a 6.3-inch display, while the Pro Max stretches to 6.9 inches, offering more space for work, media, and multitasking. The Pro Max also includes exclusive camera hardware, featuring a larger tetraprism sensor for sharper long-range shots and an 8× optical zoom—a feature the smaller Pro doesn’t match.
On storage, the Pro tops out at 1TB, while the Pro Max goes all the way up to 2TB, ideal for creators who need massive space for photos, videos, and apps.
Finally, ergonomics: the Pro is lighter and easier to hold, while the Pro Max feels substantial, making it better for those who want a true “all-in-one” device.
The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max showcase Apple at its best—a sleeker design, tougher Ceramic Shield 2, brighter display, upgraded triple-camera system, and the blazing-fast A19 Pro chip. Add in iOS 26 with Apple Intelligence, and these phones feel built for the future.
So, who should upgrade now? If you want the best camera system, top-tier performance, and the brightest display Apple has ever made, the iPhone 17 Pro line is worth the move. If you’re still on a recent Pro model and don’t need 8× zoom or a 2TB storage option, you may be fine waiting another cycle.
Either way, Apple has delivered a pair of devices that set a new standard for what a smartphone can be. Preorders open September 12, with availability starting September 19—check Apple’s official site to explore your options.