The iPhone 17 Pro has officially been unveiled during Apple’s highly anticipated September event, alongside the standard iPhone 17 and the ultra-slim new iPhone Air. The standout feature? A captivating new Cosmic Orange color that’s hard to miss. Beyond aesthetics, the iPhone 17 Pro boasts impressive upgrades, including the new supercharged A19 Pro processor and a remarkable 8x optical zoom camera that’ll thrill photography enthusiasts.
Set to launch with 256 GB of storage at a price point of $1,099 (£1,099, AU$1,999), the larger iPhone 17 Pro Max starts at $1,199. While the iPhone 17 Pro saw a slight price increase from last year’s iPhone 16 Pro (formerly $999), it now offers double the storage without a significant price hike — a relief for many users wary of tariffs impacting costs.
iPhone 17 Pro: Design and Display
The most noticeable design change is on the rear, where the camera unit now spans the entire top of the device, instead of just a small corner square. This expanded design allows for a larger battery and improved telephoto capabilities. Featuring a durable unibody construction of aluminum instead of the previous titanium frame, the iPhone 17 Pro also includes a new “Ceramic Shield” glass that’s three times more scratch-resistant. From the front, the device retains a familiar look, disrupted only by the small cutout for Dynamic Island, while the expected IP68 water resistance remains likely.
The introduction of vibrant colors is another exciting feature, with the Cosmic Orange model standing out as a lively addition to the usually muted palette of the Pro line. It adds a refreshing touch for users who seek a bit of personality in their devices.
iPhone 17 Pro: Cameras
The camera system is where the iPhone 17 Pro shines with significant upgrades. The optical zoom has doubled to an impressive 8x, providing an equivalent focal length of 200mm for capturing stellar shots from a distance. Apple’s telephoto camera now features a 56% larger sensor and boasts an impressive 48 megapixels. Other cameras, including the main and ultrawide sensors, also maintain 48 megapixels but haven’t undergone hardware changes.
Additionally, the front camera received an upgrade to an 18-megapixel sensor, enabling enhanced digital stabilization for videos and flexibility in cropping. For creators, the ProRes Raw codec will allow for high-quality video capture, paving the way for more refined post-production work — an especially exciting advancement for filmmakers and content creators.
iPhone 17 Pro: A19 Pro Processor
At the heart of the iPhone 17 Pro lies the advanced A19 Pro processor, featuring improved CPU and GPU capabilities that Apple claims lead to a staggering 40% boost in performance compared to its predecessor. The device also sports a new thermal management system, which includes a vapor chamber that utilizes de-ionized water for efficient cooling. With aluminum now dissipating heat 20 times better than the prior titanium design, users can expect smooth operation even during intensive tasks.
iPhone 17 Pro: iOS 26 Integration
The iPhone 17 Pro will ship with iOS 26, featuring a refreshed user interface that emphasizes a “Liquid Glass” design. This new aesthetic introduces glass-like transparency in menus and notifications, offering a modern feel that enhances user engagement and experience.
iPhone 17 Pro: Remarkable Battery Performance
Apple touts the iPhone 17 Pro as housing the largest battery ever in an iPhone, resulting in the best battery life to date. While specific battery details remain undisclosed, users can look forward to a long-lasting performance that supports their daily activities seamlessly.
This new launch comes along with additional Apple products, including the ultra-slim iPhone Air, the latest AirPods Pro 3 featuring live translation, and multiple new versions of the Apple Watch. For users considering alternatives, the base iPhone 17 has also been unveiled, catering to a broader range of users.