Apple is set to break away from incremental updates with the launch of the iPhone 17 Pro later this year.

The upcoming flagship device is expected to deliver a fresh new look and several impressive performance upgrades, setting it apart from previous iPhone models.

For the first time since the iPhone 11 Pro, Apple will overhaul the rear camera design. While it will maintain a triangular camera arrangement, the traditional square camera bump will be replaced with a long camera bar stretching across the back of the device. The LiDAR scanner, flash, and microphone will shift to the right side of this camera bar, creating a new aesthetic that aligns with the colour of the iPhone itself.

In another significant design change, Apple is moving away from the stainless steel and titanium frames that have become staples of its Pro models. The iPhone 17 Pro will feature an aluminium-infused back, complemented by a glass window for wireless charging and MagSafe support. This marks a departure from the single-sheet glass backs of recent iPhones, adding a new tactile feel and improved functionality.

Apple is reportedly introducing a vapour chamber cooling system in the iPhone 17 Pro—a feature long-awaited by performance-focused users. This system aims to reduce overheating, allowing for faster charging, smoother gaming, and extended peak performance. In theory, this should virtually eliminate thermal throttling, providing a consistently smooth experience.

Beyond these headline changes, the iPhone 17 Pro is expected to include a series of smaller yet noteworthy improvements. These include:

A new in-house Wi-Fi chipset
An increase to 12GB of RAM
A 24MP front-facing camera
A new 48MP telephoto camera
Dual video recording capability in the Camera app

Although earlier rumours suggested a smaller Dynamic Island for the 17 Pro, those seem unlikely to materialize in the final design.

All in all, the iPhone 17 Pro is shaping up to be Apple’s most visually and functionally significant upgrade in years. For those seeking an iPhone that truly feels new and different, this year’s Pro model promises to deliver on all fronts.