Apple iPhone 17 Pro Camera Features Revealed: 48MP Telephoto Lens, Variable Aperture System, and More

Apple's upcoming iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will feature improved cameras with major enhancements to video recording, a 48MP telephoto lens, a variable aperture system, multi-cam simultaneous video recording, and the selfie camera's "biggest-ever upgrade." These features are largely in line with previous reports, but offer some new details and corroboration of previously uncertain features.

Apple is poised to unveil its iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max series on September 9, 2025, with significant improvements in the camera department. According to a recent Bloomberg report by Mark Gurman [1], several key enhancements are expected, including major video recording upgrades, a 48MP telephoto lens, a variable aperture system, multi-cam simultaneous video recording, and a substantial selfie camera upgrade.

The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are set to introduce several notable features:
- Video Recording Enhancements: Gurman highlights major improvements in video recording capabilities, including simultaneous front-and-back camera recording [1].
- 48MP Telephoto Lens: The telephoto lens will be upgraded to 48MP, up from the previous 12MP, promising sharper zoom and better low-light performance [1].
- Variable Aperture System: This system is expected to offer more flexibility in capturing different lighting conditions, which was previously rumored for the iPhone 18 [1].
- Multi-Cam Simultaneous Video Recording: This feature allows for recording videos using multiple cameras simultaneously, enhancing the quality and versatility of the device [1].
- Selfie Camera Upgrade: The selfie camera is slated to receive its "biggest-ever upgrade," with unspecified improvements that are likely to be significant [1].

These camera enhancements are part of a broader set of upgrades expected in the iPhone 17 series. According to Economic Times [2], the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will feature larger OLED panels, improved performance with the A19 Pro chipset, and larger batteries. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to come with a 6.9-inch OLED panel, while the standard Pro will feature a 6.3-inch screen, both supporting ProMotion technology for a 120Hz refresh rate [2].

The camera improvements align with Apple's trend of enhancing its flagship devices with cutting-edge technology. The iPhone 17 Pro Max, in particular, is expected to have a major design overhaul, including a horizontal camera layout, a glass-aluminium frame, and a new orange color option [3]. Additionally, the iPhone 17 Pro Max will feature a 5000 mAh battery, the largest ever used in an iPhone, and a 24MP selfie camera, doubling the resolution of the front-facing camera on the iPhone 16 Pro Max [3].

These upgrades are expected to drive demand and potentially boost Apple's market share in the premium smartphone segment. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is anticipated to retail for Rs 1,64,990 in India, while the standard Pro may see a smaller increase in price compared to the previous generation [2]. Globally, the Pro Max could retail around $1,249 in the US and between AED 5,299 and AED 6,999 in Dubai [2].

In conclusion, Apple's upcoming iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max series promise significant advancements in camera technology, along with other performance and design improvements. These upgrades are likely to appeal to tech enthusiasts and investors, positioning Apple as a leader in the premium smartphone market.

References:
[1] https://9to5mac.com/2025/09/05/these-are-iphone-17-pros-new-camera-features-report/
[2] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/iphone-17-release-3-biggest-feature-upgrades-expected-in-apples-upcoming-smartphone-series/articleshow/123606822.cms?from=mdr
[3] https://www.bizzbuzz.news/technology/iphone-17-pro-max-vs-iphone-16-pro-max-5-biggest-upgrades-to-expect-on-september-9-1371053