Apple has introduced four new phones — the basic iPhone 17, the slim iPhone Air, the powerful 17 Pro, and the super-sized 17 Pro Max, each aimed at a different crowd. The Pro phones feel like the upgrade iPhone owners have been waiting for, thanks to the camera technology they pack along with the A19 Pro chip.
Different from any other iPhone
The first reason the phones are a success comes down to design. The back of the two Pro phones looks unlike anything we have ever seen, making this the most important upgrade in at least five-six years. Though there have been improvements in the Pro models in recent years, it was always difficult to distinguish one from another by simply looking at the back. That changes with the camera bar stretching across the width. Inside the panel lies plenty of new technology.
For photographers, there is much on offer
The iPhone 17 Pro’s main and ultra-wide cameras remain the same. On top of that, the telephoto is now a 48MP sensor. It features a 56 percent larger sensor than the older, smaller 12MP telephoto camera from last year. With the three 48MP Fusion cameras, users get the equivalent of eight lenses, including the longest optical-quality zoom ever on iPhone at 8x.
With new industry-first video features designed for pro filmmakers and content creators, including ProRes RAW, Apple Log 2, and genlock, iPhone fits even more seamlessly into the largest and smallest productions. ProRes RAW video is particularly interesting. A bit of background. Apple introduced the ProRes video codec to its iPhone 13 Pro in 2021, enabling it to capture much more information in videos for a professional look. ProRes RAW captures even more data. Apple says ProRes RAW is the industry-standard format for professional cinematic productions, so the fact that a phone can now do this is a major achievement.
Digital zoom also goes up to 40x for photos, and users get more options for customizing their shots with next-generation Photographic Styles, including a new Bright style in iOS 26 that brightens skin tones and adds a pop of vibrance across the image.
Ice, ice, cool
The iPhone has become a serious device for gamers. Why buy a Switch when you can buy an iPhone 17 Pro or Pro Max. The new internal architecture includes an Apple-designed vapour chamber to boost heat dissipation and performance. Deionised water is sealed inside the vapor chamber, laser-welded into the aluminum chassis to move heat away from the powerful A19.
More battery
The unibody design creates room for a larger battery, and with the efficiency of A19 Pro and advanced power management in iOS 26, iPhone 17 Pro Max offers the best battery life ever in an iPhone. And both models can charge 50 per cent in 20 minutes with an optional high-wattage USB-C adapter like Apple’s new 40W Dynamic Power Adapter with 60W Max.
New front-facing cameras
The main camera differs across the board, but every new iPhone’s 18MP front-facing camera has some clever tricks to offer. First, it’s a square sensor. Second, it features Apple’s Centre Stage technology. With more pixels to work with, the front camera can automatically reframe as multiple people enter the frame and keep subjects centered. This is a big plus for content creators and bloggers. In addition, there is the option to record simultaneously with the rear camera. That means plenty of reaction videos from now on.
At a glance
Device: iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max
Price: iPhone 17 Pro 256 GB —₹134900 and iPhone 17 Pro Max 256 GB — ₹149,900.
Battery is an asset: The Pro comes with what Apple says is its biggest battery ever in an iPhone. That means up to 39 hours of video playback in the Pro Max, compared to 33 hours for the 16 Pro Max. Charging has been improved too, with support for faster 25W MagSafe wireless charging.