The iPhone 17 Pro is expected to launch in just over a month, and like every year, anticipation is building fast. We’re likely to see four models in the lineup: the iPhone 17, 17 Air, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max. While the iPhone 16 Pro was a solid upgrade in many ways, there are still a few areas where Apple can push further. Here are five key upgrades I hope to see in the iPhone 17 Pro this year. Even if only a couple of them make it in, that would still be a meaningful step forward, and maybe the rest can arrive with the iPhone 18 Pro.
1. A Better Telephoto Camera; Not Just Longer Zoom
While the current 5X zoom sounds good on paper, the actual experience isn’t great. It uses a 120mm equivalent lens with a tiny 1/3-inch sensor and an f/2.8 aperture, which severely limits light intake. Worse, the 125cm minimum focusing distance makes it nearly useless for anything up close. In fact, the iPhone often defaults to cropping from the 1X sensor instead of actually using the zoom lens.
What I’d like to see instead is a 3X or 4X optical zoom setup with at least a 1/2-inch sensor, an f/2.5 aperture, and support for telemacro shots at 10–15cm focusing distances. Even budget flagships from China, like the OPPO Find X8, vivo X200, and OnePlus 13, have more versatile and capable zoom systems.
Google’s upcoming Pixel 10 Pro/Pro XL is also rumored to support telemacro. If Apple does bring variable zoom (4X to 8X or beyond), I hope it’s not at the cost of sensor size or aperture like Sony. Otherwise, it may end up being more of a gimmick than a useful feature.
2. Faster Wired Charging
It’s 2025, and the iPhone still charges at around 30W. That’s just not fast enough anymore. Many competing flagships offer 60W or even 100W wired charging, easily topping up a device in under an hour. Apple needs to step up here. A full charge should not take more than 60 minutes, especially at the Pro level.
3. High-Frequency PWM for Eye Comfort
Apple’s current implementation of 480 Hz PWM dimming is simply not good enough. In fact, many users report eye strain and discomfort with prolonged use. Several mid-range phones in India, even those priced under ₹17,000 ($200), now feature AMOLED panels with 2160 Hz or even 3840 Hz PWM dimming for better eye protection.
Apple claims to prioritize user well-being, and this is one area where that commitment should be reflected more clearly. A 2160 Hz PWM display should be the baseline on the iPhone 17 Pro.
4. Pro Photo and Pro Video Modes; Built Into iOS
For a device labeled “Pro,” it’s surprising that Apple still doesn’t offer a built-in professional photography or videography mode. The “Shot on iPhone” events and videos that you see rely on third-party camera apps to unlock manual controls, something that should be native to iOS at this point.
Instead, iOS 18 seems to have made some advanced options harder to access. As someone passionate about photography, I’d love to see a full-featured Pro mode integrated into the stock Camera app.
5. Better Thermal Management for Video Recording
Thermal issues are still a concern, especially when shooting extended videos or using the phone outdoors. The iPhone 16 Pro introduced some minor improvements, but it’s far from enough.
Apple needs to implement a proper vapor chamber cooling system, not just to help with gaming performance but to ensure that video recording sessions don’t abruptly stop due to overheating. For a phone known for its video capabilities, this kind of reliability is essential.
Final Words
With competition heating up and expectations higher than ever, the iPhone 17 Pro has a real opportunity to set a new standard – not just for Apple, but for the entire smartphone industry. Let’s hope at least a few of these long-awaited upgrades make it to the final product. Is there any upgrade on your wishlist? Let me know in the comments.
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