Apple unveils iPhone 17 Pro with triple 48MP cameras, A19 chip and higher starting price

Apple has officially confirmed the release date, pricing and features of the iPhone 17 Pro, which will headline its “Awe-Dropping” event in Cupertino on 9 September 2025. Pre-orders open on 12 September, with global sales set for 19 September.

The iPhone 17 series will consist of four models: the iPhone 17, 17 Air, 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max. To encourage upgrades, Apple is also offering discounts on the outgoing iPhone 16 line.

Design and Display
The iPhone 17 Pro marks a shift in Apple’s design philosophy. Its new aluminium-and-glass hybrid chassis replaces the titanium build used on recent Pro devices. Apple says the change balances durability with a lighter, refreshed look.

Colour options will expand, with orange/copper and dark blue joining Apple’s classic finishes. Perhaps the most striking change is the horizontal, full-width camera bump – a design more reminiscent of Google’s Pixel phones than past iPhones.

The Pro and Pro Max retain their 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch ProMotion OLED displays, both running at 120 Hz for smoother scrolling and gaming. The devices are marginally thicker to house upgraded components, including larger batteries.

Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, the iPhone 17 Pro debuts the A19 Pro processor, touted as Apple’s most powerful yet. It will also be the first Pro model equipped with 12 GB of RAM, a notable upgrade aimed at multitaskers, gamers and users of AI-driven apps.

To sustain performance during heavy workloads, Apple has introduced vapour chamber cooling – a feature long seen in gaming phones – designed to improve efficiency when handling 4K video editing, complex rendering or extended gameplay.

Camera Upgrades
Cameras remain Apple’s main selling point. The iPhone 17 Pro boasts a triple 48 MP setup – wide, ultra-wide and periscope telephoto. The telephoto lens is expected to offer up to 8× optical zoom, a first for Apple, and squarely aimed at rivals like Samsung’s Galaxy Ultra line.

On the front, a new 24 MP lens promises sharper selfies and higher-quality video calls. Industry leaks suggest support for 8K video recording and possibly a mechanical aperture system, bringing Apple’s phones closer to professional photography tools.

New Features and Everyday Use
Apple has finally added reverse wireless charging, allowing users to charge accessories like AirPods or an Apple Watch by placing them on the back of the device. Storage for Pro models now starts at 256 GB, reflecting growing consumer demand for more space.

Battery life should also improve. The Pro carries a 4,500 mAh L-shaped battery, while the Pro Max could feature a 5,000 mAh cell – the largest yet in an iPhone. Apple says these upgrades target heavy users and frequent travellers.

Pricing and Outlook
The iPhone 17 Pro will start at around $1,049 (£780) in the US, with the Pro Max beginning at $1,249 (£930). In India, the Pro will range between ₹1,34,999 and ₹1,45,990 (£1,140–£1,230), while the Pro Max will start from ₹1,64,990 (£1,420).

Analysts argue the A19 Pro chip, 12 GB RAM, enhanced camera system and reverse charging make this one of the most significant iPhone Pro updates in years. These factors may help justify Apple’s price hike as it positions itself further into the ultra-premium market.

Yet consumer reaction is split. While some applaud the technological leap, others fear the new models could simply be too expensive for mainstream buyers. The coming weeks will reveal whether Apple’s gamble on innovation over affordability pays off.