The iPhone 17 Pro arrives to lead the Pro line with a focus on performance, photography and professional video. In this guide you will find the key specifications, differences compared to the Pro Max, what is new in the camera and display, colours and launch timeline.
MAIN NEW FEATURES OF THE IPHONE 17 PRO
Design, display and build
Apple introduces an aerospace grade aluminium chassis with Ceramic Shield protection on the glass. The display measures 6.3″ on the iPhone 17 Pro and 6.9″ on the 17 Pro Max, with different resolutions, 2622 x 1206 px on the Pro and 2868 x 1320 px on the Pro Max, for higher visual definition on the larger model. The goal is to deliver robustness, lightness and a more immersive experience for people who consume media and work on the go.
Processor, RAM and thermal management
The new A19 Pro drives this generation with gains in performance and efficiency. Both Pro models include 12 GB of RAM, which benefits intensive workflows, 4K video editing, fast exports, on device AI apps and demanding games. Apple adds a vapour chamber for heat dissipation, which helps keep performance sustained in long sessions.
Storage and differences between Pro and Pro Max
The iPhone 17 Pro goes up to 1 TB of storage. The iPhone 17 Pro Max extends that capacity to 2 TB, a valuable option for creators who record ProRes and keep extensive photo and app libraries. Otherwise, the core hardware and camera capabilities are aligned between the two sizes.
Camera system: 8x optical zoom and pro video
Apple equips the back with three 48 MP Fusion cameras, main ultra-wide and a new telephoto, which together correspond to eight useful focal lengths. The highlight is the highest optical zoom ever in an iPhone: 8x, useful to capture action at a distance with clean detail. On the front, the 18 MP camera with Center Stage improves selfies and calls. For video, there is support for ProRes RAW, Apple Log 2 and genlock, features aimed at film crews and creators who need consistent colour and professional workflows.
Battery and charging
Apple sizes the batteries for different profiles: 4252 mAh in the 17 Pro and 5088 mAh in the 17 Pro Max. In video playback, the Pro reaches up to 14 hours and the Pro Max up to 20 hours. Both support fast charging to 50% in around 20 minutes with a high power USB-C adapter such as the new 40 W charger. For people who record, export and play, this jump in charging speed reduces downtime.
Colours, pre-order and availability
The palette includes deep blue, cosmic orange and silver. Pre-orders start on 12 September and availability begins on 19 September, aligned with the global launch calendar for the iPhone 17 line.
ANALYSIS: WHAT CHANGES IN THE EXPERIENCE
Performance that frees up workflows
The A19 Pro and 12 GB of RAM create room for heavy multitasking without stutters. ProRes exports, RAW photo editing and games with high resolution textures run with fewer hiccups. The vapour chamber helps stabilise performance under long loads, extended recording or intensive gaming sessions.
Photography and video with more reach and control
The 48 MP setup plus 8x tele changes how you capture events, sports and wildlife. The versatility of the eight focal lengths reduces the need for aggressive cropping in post-production. In video, ProRes RAW, Apple Log 2 and genlock integrate the iPhone into professional pipelines, multi camera capture, advanced colour grading and tight sync in studio or on location.
Specs at a glance
- Display: 6.3″ on iPhone 17 Pro, 6.9″ on Pro Max, 2622 x 1206 px vs 2868 x 1320 px
- Processor: A19 Pro and 12 GB RAM
- Rear cameras: triple 48 MP module with 8x optical zoom, equivalent to eight lenses
- Front camera: 18 MP with Center Stage
- Video: ProRes RAW, Apple Log 2, genlock
- Battery: 4252 mAh (Pro), 5088 mAh (Pro Max), up to 14 h and 20 h of video
- Charging: 50% in ~20 min, USB-C adapter up to 40 W
- Storage: up to 1 TB (Pro) and up to 2 TB (Pro Max)
- Colours: deep blue, cosmic orange, silver
- Dates: pre-order 12 September, availability 19 September
PROS AND CONS
Pros
- A19 Pro with 12 GB RAM, stable performance in apps and games.
- 48 MP cameras with 8x optical zoom – superior reach and detail.
- Pro-grade video with ProRes RAW, Apple Log 2 and genlock – real integration into professional pipelines.
- Fast charging 50%/20 min – less time tied to a wall socket.
Cons
- Actual battery life varies under heavy use, creators and gamers may still need a power bank.
- Pro Max storage up to 2 TB becomes expensive for most people, raising total cost.
- Pro Max size does not suit users who prioritise one-handed handling.
The iPhone 17 Pro strengthens the Pro proposition with gains that matter: A19 Pro and 12 GB of RAM for heavy workloads, 48 MP cameras with 8x optical zoom for more reach and a ProRes RAW + Log 2 + genlock package that brings the iPhone closer to professional workflows. If you create content, play demanding titles or want a smartphone that keeps up with intense work rhythms, the 17 Pro deserves a place on your shortlist.
