Apple announced the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, featuring a new design and the A19 Pro chip, available in three colors: Deep Blue, Cosmic Orange, and Silver.
iPhone 17 Pro Features
Both models feature a new design aimed at significantly improving performance and battery life. The aluminum unibody structure is strong, lightweight, and has excellent thermal conductivity, and the Apple-designed vapor chamber is laser-welded into it to achieve excellent heat dissipation.
This new thermal management system consistently delivers the performance of the A19 Pro chip, the most powerful and efficient chip ever in an iPhone, delivering up to a 40 percent improvement in sustained performance compared to the previous generation. The design also frees up space for a larger battery, especially in the iPhone 17 Pro Max, delivering the longest battery life ever in an iPhone.
Size Options
The display comes in two sizes, 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches, and is equipped with a Super Retina XDR display. In addition to ProMotion technology supporting a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz and an always-on display function, the peak brightness in outdoor environments has been improved to 3000 nits.
The front and back of the case now feature the new Ceramic Shield 2, which makes the front cover three times more scratch-resistant, and the new Ceramic Shield on the back, which is being used for the first time, is four times more resistant to cracks than the back glass of the previous model.
Front Camera
The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max feature a new “center-frame front camera” that enhances the photo and video shooting experience. The biggest feature of this camera is the square image sensor, used for the first time on an iPhone. This enables a wider field of view than conventional sensors and high-resolution still images of up to 18 megapixels, allowing you to capture even the finest details of your subject.
Users can now also take photos and videos in either portrait or landscape orientation while holding iPhone in portrait mode, and when taking group selfies, the AI-powered Center Frame feature automatically widens the field of view and adjusts the composition to keep everyone in the frame.
Dual Capture Function
The video function has also been improved, supporting stable 4K HDR video recording. Furthermore, a new “dual capture” function has been added, which allows simultaneous recording with the front and rear cameras. This can be used, for example, by a reporter to record the situation on-site while simultaneously recording their own commentary.
In addition, when using FaceTime or third-party video calling applications, the camera automatically tracks the subject so that it always remains in the center of the frame, even if the subject moves, supporting stable video communication.
iPhones have always supported advanced video recording features such as Dolby Vision HDR recording, 4K 120fps high frame rate shooting, ProRes Log, and ACES (Academy Color Encoding System). The newly announced iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max add new features that take the device even further into the realm of professional video production.
Genlock and upgraed Gamma curves
Specifically, this is the first smartphone to support ProRes RAW recording, the new Log 2 gamma curve, and “genlock” for frame-by-frame accurate synchronization of footage from multiple cameras. The genlock function eliminates the need for manual synchronization during editing when shooting with multiple cameras, enabling a more efficient and accurate editing workflow. This allows creators to easily achieve professional-level transitions and advanced visual expression.
These new features are also expected to work with third-party applications and hardware. Genlock support will be available via Blackmagic Design’s Camera ProDock. ProRes RAW recording will be supported by applications such as Apple’s Final Cut Camera and Blackmagic Design’s Blackmagic Camera, and an API will also be available for developers.
The A19 Pro processor features a 6-core CPU and 6-core GPU for advanced mobile gaming and AI processing, and also includes the new Apple-designed N1 wireless network chip, which supports the latest communication standards such as Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread.
iOS 26
The iOS 26 operating system will support new AI features from Apple Intelligence, including live translation for real-time text and speech translation, and updates to visual intelligence that lets you search and interact with information from screenshots.
As an environmentally conscious initiative, both models are made from 30% recycled materials, including 100% recycled cobalt in the batteries, and the packaging is made from 100% fiber-based materials.
