New details have emerged regarding the iPhone 17 lineup, particularly concerning the cameras integrated into these devices. This news has sparked a variety of reactions, with some viewing it positively while others have reservations.
Renowned leaker Digital Chat Station has corroborated earlier claims by Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, indicating that substantial camera enhancements are on the horizon for the 2025 iPhone models.
For starters, all variants of the iPhone 17 are expected to feature a front-facing camera equipped with a 24MP/6P lens, marking a significant upgrade from the current 12MP/5P lens found in the iPhone 16 series. This enhancement aims to boost image quality and reduce distortion.
Furthermore, the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are anticipated to sport improved telephoto lenses, transitioning from a 12MP to a 48MP configuration. Thus, every rear camera on these upcoming Pro models will showcase a 48MP sensor.
Kuo previously suggested that the telephoto lens upgrade would only be available for the iPhone 17 Pro Max and not for the standard Pro model. Another source has since confirmed this information.
Additionally, the same leaker revealed that the primary camera sensor on this year’s iPhone 17 Pro models would be smaller compared to the Fusion camera system seen in the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max. This primary camera, which boasts 48MP, may shrink from 1/1.28 inches to 1/1.3 inches.
As pointed out by MacRumors, these size specifications indicate the sensor’s “type” rather than its actual dimensions, meaning a 1/1.3-inch sensor will indeed be smaller than a 1/1.28-inch sensor.
This adjustment in size is not expected to drastically affect photo quality, yet it could lend credence to rumors that Apple intends to redesign the camera bump on the iPhone 17 Pro models. It is speculated that the bump may adopt a rectangular form and be constructed from aluminum, moving away from the previous glass design. However, it remains too soon to determine whether this modification will be beneficial, as some reports suggest there may be no changes to the camera bump at all.
Similar to past offerings, the iPhone 17 lineup is likely to consist of a standard model alongside two Pro variants. Notably, for the first time, there may also be an “iPhone Air” model that would succeed the iPhone Plus. This new variant is expected to be the slimmest iPhone released so far and could feature significant design alterations compared to other models in the lineup.
