A new leak about the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro is currently causing a stir. The information allegedly comes from a current commercial that is currently being produced for Apple and was leaked to the website MacRumors. If this turns out to be true, the next Pro models could come up with camera innovations that could even make the current smartphone market leader Sony sweat. The leaks point to massive changes in the camera system, new Pro software and hardware details that Apple fans have long been waiting for.
The most important details at a glance:
- Optical zoom with variable focal length up to 8x – similar to Sony Xperia flagships
- Dedicated Pro camera app planned for photo and video professionals
- Second camera button for better control when shooting in portrait format
- New “copper” color and recessed Apple logo on the back
Continuous optical zoom: Apple is reportedly planning a real camera coup
One of the most surprising revelations concerns the zoom of the phone camera: according to the leak, Apple will no longer rely on the 5x magnification of the iPhone 16 Pro, but on a continuous optical 8x zoom – a technology that has so far been found almost exclusively at Sony. Unlike most smartphones, which use fixed zoom levels (e.g. 3x or 5x), Apple could work with a variable focal length – similar to a classic camera lens.
Ideally, this means a smooth, lossless adjustment of the image section, possibly in the range of around 85 mm to 170 mm (equivalent), with a dynamically adjusted aperture. In the Sony Xperia 1 VII, the aperture changes from F/2.3 to F/3.5 when zooming in – a concept that Apple could now adopt. However, it is still unclear whether this will actually work smoothly for video recordings.
Apple is probably developing its own Pro Camera app for the first time
Another highlight is a planned Pro Camera app from Apple itself. This would give ambitious users access to functions that were previously only available via third-party apps such as Halide, Filmic Pro or Kino. These include manual settings for ISO, shutter speed, white balance and focus, as well as advanced video formats and exposure options.
However, the leaker is not sure whether this is a completely new application or merely a greatly expanded update of the existing Final Cut app. It also remains unclear whether this Pro app is reserved exclusively for the Pro models or whether it will also be used on the standard versions. However, if Apple is focusing on the video workflow as a unique selling point, it is likely that it will be Pro-exclusive.
Additional camera button and new design detail
Apart from the software and camera optics, there are also indications of smaller but no less interesting design changes. A second camera control button on the top of the device could be particularly practical when shooting in portrait format – whether for triggering or quickly activating certain camera modes.
Another detail concerns the exterior: according to the leak, the Apple logo on the back will be recessed slightly deeper than before – a design decision that may have functional reasons, such as for accessories or special MagSafe extensions. A new copper color is also to be added to the line-up, which could give the iPhone 17 Pro a classy, metallic look.
Conclusion: Exciting approaches with many question marks
The leak of the iPhone 17 Pro indicates a much stronger focus on photography and video – both in terms of hardware and software. The continuous zoom in particular could give Apple a clear advantage over the competition, should it be technically feasible. The potential Pro app would also be a long overdue step towards professional work on the iPhone.
Availability and price:
So far, there is no official confirmation or pricing information from Apple. The iPhone 17 Pro is traditionally expected to be released in the fall of 2025 – until then, it remains to be seen which of the leaked features will actually be implemented. The rumors should still be taken with a grain of salt.
