A bold new rumor surrounding the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro has surfaced, hinting at major camera upgrades that could set a new benchmark in mobile photography.
According to a tipster cited by MacRumors, Apple may introduce an 8x optical zoom camera, a dedicated Pro camera app, and even a second physical camera control button on the iPhone 17 Pro.
Next-Level Zoom Capabilities
The most headline-grabbing part of the leak is the claim that the iPhone 17 Pro will feature an 8x optical zoom, a notable jump from the 5x zoom currently offered on the iPhone 16 Pro. This enhancement could come via a physically moving lens module, similar to either Sony’s continuous zoom system found in the Xperia 1 series or Huawei’s dual-focal-length zoom module seen in the Pura 80 Ultra.
If true, this would allow for far more versatile zooming capabilities, making the iPhone 17 Pro a powerhouse for mobile photographers and content creators.
A New Pro Camera App in Development
Alongside hardware upgrades, Apple is also rumored to be launching a new Pro camera app designed to rival third-party photography apps like Halide, Filmic Pro, and Kino. This app is expected to offer advanced manual controls, aligning with Apple’s broader push to enhance the video and photography capabilities of its flagship models.
Dual Camera Buttons for Enhanced Control
Adding to the excitement, the leak suggests the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max could feature a second physical camera control button located on the top edge of the device. This would work in tandem with the existing button on the right side, providing more intuitive control for both portrait and landscape photography.
Additional Rumored Features
The tipster also claims the iPhone 17 Pro will debut with a centered Apple logo and a new copper-like color option, adding a touch of design refresh to the premium lineup.
While these rumors are yet to be confirmed, they hint at a significant leap forward in Apple’s camera technology. If true, the iPhone 17 Pro could redefine what’s possible in mobile photography when it launches in 2025.