Even though the launch of the iPhone 17 Series still seems to be too far away, the leaks and dummy models are already painting a clear picture of Apple’s upcoming camera changes.
While unofficial, dummy units—often based on leaked schematics used by case manufacturers—have historically proven accurate predictors of design changes. Based on rumor mills and leaked specs, here is everything you can expect from the iPhone 17 Pro/17 Pro Max, 17 Air, and the standard iPhone 17 cameras.
All iPhone 17 Models to Boast Top-Notch 24-MP Front Camera
Every iPhone 17 model is expected to feature a new 24-megapixel front-facing camera, double the resolution of the current 12-megapixel lens. It will let you capture sharper selfies, thanks to improved low-light performance. Notably, the amped up selfie camera will also provide more flexibility for cropping without sacrificing image quality.
For folks who love to snap fascinating selfies for Instagram, a 24MP selfie shooter is going to be a big deal.
iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max: Triple 48MP Cameras and 8K Video
Going by the rumor mills, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models are getting a major camera overhaul. For the first time, all three rear cameras will be equipped with a 48 megapixel:
- Main Fusion Lens (48MP)
- Ultra Wide Lens (48MP, carried over from iPhone 16 Pro)
- New Tetraprism Telephoto Lens (48MP)
As a result, you can zoom and crop into telephoto shots with significantly more detail.
Not just that, the iPhone 17 Pro lineup is also going to vastly enhance the videography. The top-tier models will support 8K video recording, up from 4K in current Pro models.
Additionally, dual video recording could be introduced, facilitating simultaneous front and rear video capture. For content creators and vloggers, the dual video recording will be an exciting feature.
“Until now, iPhones have relied on third-party apps to enable multi-camera video recording, with Apple not offering this functionality itself through the built-in Camera app. However, this year, the company is expected to change course by incorporating the dual recording feature directly into the camera system of the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models.” – Business Standard
Apple is also reportedly exploring a mechanical aperture for the Pro models, potentially allowing you to adjust the depth of the field and control light intake with ease.
The camera module design is getting a redesign, too. Instead of a square bump, the Pro models will feature a horizontal camera bar stretching across the top back of the phone.
Lenses will retain a triangular layout, while the flash, microphone, and LiDAR scanner will be repositioned further right.
iPhone 17 Air: Ultra-Thin, Single-Lens Camera
The all-new iPhone 17 Air will prioritize thinness, rumored to measure just 5.5mm thick, making it Apple’s thinnest iPhone ever. Because of the compact design, it will include only a single 48-megapixel Fusion camera.
There will be no Ultra Wide or Telephoto lens, and likely no spatial video support unless Apple introduces a new method for single-lens spatial capture.
Like the Pro models, the 17 Air will adopt the horizontal camera bar, though slimmer, containing the lens on the left and the flash and microphone on the right.
iPhone 17: Familiar Design With a Front Camera Upgrade
The standard iPhone 17 is expected to retain a similar design to the iPhone 16, including its dual-lens vertical rear camera setup. While the 24MP front camera will be a welcome upgrade, changes to the rear cameras appear minimal.
It should continue using a 48MP Fusion main lens and a 12MP Ultra Wide lens. Unlike the Pro and Air models, the regular iPhone 17 will not feature the new horizontal camera layout.
My Final Thoughts…
From improved front-facing cameras across the board to Pro models with triple 48MP sensors and 8K video, Apple is clearly putting photography and videography at the forefront of the iPhone 17 experience.
Whether you’re a casual selfie-taker or a pro-level content creator, there’s likely something in the iPhone 17 lineup to raise your excitement for September 2025.
