iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max launch with A19 Pro chip, 8K cameras, and up to 2TB storage

[Cal Jeffrey]

The big picture: Apple's latest iPhone launch brings incremental but notable upgrades that push the limits of mobile performance and storage. With the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, the company emphasizes pro-level photography, gaming, and storage, signaling a continued focus on high-end users and setting the stage for next-generation smartphone experiences.

Apple unveiled the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max on Tuesday, delivering the company's latest advances in processing power, display technology, and camera capabilities.

The Pro models are essentially identical, with the Pro Max distinguished mainly by its slightly larger 6.9-inch display and the addition of a 2TB storage option, appealing to users who demand maximum screen real estate and data capacity.

At the heart of both devices is Apple's new A19 Pro chip, promising faster performance and improved energy efficiency. Apple says the chip's architecture supports enhanced gaming and graphics-heavy applications while preserving battery life.

The Pro model features a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display, while the Pro Max's 6.9-inch screen offers a more immersive experience for video and gaming. Both support ProMotion technology, delivering a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and responsiveness.

Photography remains a central focus with the iPhone 17 Pro series. Both models introduce a triple-lens 48-megapixel array combining wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto lenses.

Apple says the system delivers higher-quality low-light shooting, better computational photography, and up to 10x optical zoom exclusive to the Pro Max's telephoto lens. Both phones also support up to 40x digital zoom, extending the zoom range well beyond the optical lens.

Apple has upgraded video capabilities on the rear camera system. Pro models capture 8K footage, offering more detail for professional and creative use. Tim Cook noted that Apple filmed the keynote with an iPhone 17 Pro Max.

The camera also features improved stabilization and advanced cinematic modes to enhance both casual and production-level recording. These upgrades reinforce Apple's emphasis on photography and videography as a selling point for the Pro line.

The front-facing camera has been upgraded to 18 megapixels and adds Center Stage, which automatically keeps subjects framed during video calls.

Apple also touts improvements in low-light performance and computational photography, giving selfies and FaceTime calls sharper detail and better color. While it doesn't match the rear camera in raw resolution or 8K video, the enhancements make it a more capable tool for everyday photography, video chatting, and social media content creation.

The Pro series also features a completely redesigned chassis. Both models have a reinforced aluminum unibody with a vapor chamber for improved heat dissipation, coupled with a Ceramic Shield 2 front cover for increased screen durability.

The new unibody reorganizes internal components, making room for a larger battery. Charging speeds are set at 35W, with enhanced MagSafe compatibility, while battery life is rated at up to 29 hours of video playback on the Pro and up to 33 hours on the Pro Max.

Storage options remain a primary differentiator between the two Pro models. The iPhone 17 Pro is available in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB configurations, while the Pro Max adds a 2TB variant for users with heavy media or app storage needs.

Prices start at $1,099 for the Pro and $1,199 for the Pro Max – matching last year's iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max prices despite concerns over tariffs. Apple has also dropped the $999 128GB Pro model, raising the entry point for the Pro line. Pre-orders begin September 12, with availability starting September 19.

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iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max launch with A19 Pro chip, 8K cameras, and up to 2TB storage

 

[HardReset]

So why it matters? Mobile users are 99% casual. Casual users do not need 2TB storage or high end CPU. For gaming, those are too expensive anyway.

And because 120 Hz display is now "smooth", we can conclude previous gen basic models are non smooth making them totally obsolete instantly. That's Apple, when they don't have foldable phone, it's useless feature. But when Apple finally after years later than others have foldable, it will be greatest invention ever.

Sometimes I wonder how stupid Apple buyers really are. Perhaps stupider than I can imagine.

 

[Lew Zealand]

So why it matters? Mobile users are 99% casual. Casual users do not need 2TB storage or high end CPU. For gaming, those are too expensive anyway.

And because 120 Hz display is now "smooth", we can conclude previous gen basic models are non smooth making them totally obsolete instantly. That's Apple, when they don't have foldable phone, it's useless feature. But when Apple finally after years later than others have foldable, it will be greatest invention ever.

Sometimes I wonder how stupid Apple buyers really are. Perhaps stupider than I can imagine.

LOL what a load of sour grapes.

 

[Megalomaniac]

Exactly what I've been hoping for and waiting for.

I would have loved a $1799 price tag, but at this point - I'm buying regardless.

 

[Megalomaniac]

So why it matters? Mobile users are 99% casual. Casual users do not need 2TB storage or high end CPU. For gaming, those are too expensive anyway.

And because 120 Hz display is now "smooth", we can conclude previous gen basic models are non smooth making them totally obsolete instantly. That's Apple, when they don't have foldable phone, it's useless feature. But when Apple finally after years later than others have foldable, it will be greatest invention ever.

Sometimes I wonder how stupid Apple buyers really are. Perhaps stupider than I can imagine.

If it's too much "don't buy it".

I fail to understand why people act like they're AGAINST me being able to get a storage upgrade.

I have plenty of money and apple card and I want it.

Why do people keep acting like I shouldn't be able to have that option or apple shouldn't be providing for customers like me?

It says "PRO" on it. I expect a "PRO" anything to have features that "casual users" don't buy or need.

Bottom line is: I've been waiting since iPhone 14 for this and now I'm gonna buy it.

 

[HardReset]

If it's too much "don't buy it".

I fail to understand why people act like they're AGAINST me being able to get a storage upgrade.

I have plenty of money and apple card and I want it.

Why do people keep acting like I shouldn't be able to have that option or apple shouldn't be providing for customers like me?

It says "PRO" on it. I expect a "PRO" anything to have features that "casual users" don't buy or need.

Bottom line is: I've been waiting since iPhone 14 for this and now I'm gonna buy it.

I don't buy it. I refuse to even touch Apple devices. With protective gloves I might carefully move Apple device short distance but hat's it.

Perhaps you are real pro but too many Apple buyers know nothing about what they are buying. Generally Apple owners have irritating habit to promote their Apple trash. Luckily I have physical keyboard phone and can use keyboard scrolling. So far every Apple user has been impressed

 

[Billybobjoey]

Oh my god somebody finally figured out that they can use actual colors on the higher end models instead of only pastels, it's a miracle.

 

[Cal Jeffrey]

If it's too much "don't buy it".

I fail to understand why people act like they're AGAINST me being able to get a storage upgrade.

I have plenty of money and apple card and I want it.

Why do people keep acting like I shouldn't be able to have that option or apple shouldn't be providing for customers like me?

It says "PRO" on it. I expect a "PRO" anything to have features that "casual users" don't buy or need.

Bottom line is: I've been waiting since iPhone 14 for this and now I'm gonna buy it.

Right. And the 2TB option is the high end of the scale. That pushes the price point to $2,000--definitely a Pro option. If you can live with the 1TB model, you can keep under your $1,800 ideal upgrade since the 1TB is still only $1,600--the same as last year's iPhone 16 Pro Max. Surprisingly, the budget model standard 256GB iPhone 17 is still only $799--that's the same price as the standard 128GB iPhone 14 was in 2022!

 

[trparky]

I have the iPhone 15 Pro and I usually upgrade every two years but honestly, I’m going to have to think long and hard about upgrading.

I’m going to watch the keynote and decide.

 

[Megalomaniac]

Right. And the 2TB option is the high end of the scale. That pushes the price point to $2,000--definitely a Pro option. If you can live with the 1TB model, you can keep under your $1,800 ideal upgrade since the 1TB is still only $1,600--the same as last year's iPhone 16 Pro Max. Surprisingly, the budget model standard 256GB iPhone 17 is still only $799--that's the same price as the standard 128GB iPhone 14 was in 2022!

I skipped 15 and 16 specifically because they didn't offer 2TB.
I'll buy this phone and won't upgrade again till the next major storage jump - or iPhone 20.
I think 3 years is good enough for these phones.

 

[JMGuy]

I don't buy it. I refuse to even touch Apple devices. With protective gloves I might carefully move Apple device short distance but hat's it.

Perhaps you are real pro but too many Apple buyers know nothing about what they are buying. Generally Apple owners have irritating habit to promote their Apple trash. Luckily I have physical keyboard phone and can use keyboard scrolling. So far every Apple user has been impressed

Wow, ranting about a product you proudly don’t use while pretending your physical keyboard makes you superior to billions of users. How original.

 

[opckieran]

I’m excited to see how the 8x optical zoom on the 17 pro performs in testing. 200mm equivalent!

 

[guillejp]

I have the iPhone 15 Pro and I usually upgrade every two years but honestly, I’m going to have to think long and hard about upgrading.

I’m going to watch the keynote and decide.

The keynote is the last thing you should rely on to make your decision. Not trolling, not fanboying. It's focused on marketing, emotions and mostly BS, on selling it. Watch a few detailed reviews to see what and how significant of an upgrade it is to make up your mind.

 

[Mr Majestyk]

Decent upgrades, but I will hold out for the much larger iPhone 18 or iPhone 20 (20th anniversary so no iPhone 19) upgrades or I'll dump Samsung for OnePlus 16.

 

[HardReset]

Wow, ranting about a product you proudly don’t use while pretending your physical keyboard makes you superior to billions of users. How original.

How many desktop users use primarily touch screen keyboard? How many laptop users use primarily touch screen keyboard? How many console (handheld and others) use primarly touch screen keyboard?

Perhaps Apple phone users are just stupid?

 

[Burty117]

I skipped 15 and 16 specifically because they didn't offer 2TB.
I'll buy this phone and won't upgrade again till the next major storage jump - or iPhone 20.
I think 3 years is good enough for these phones.

I have to ask but, what are you storing on your phone to need more than 1TB? That's a lot of data to lose if the phone gets damaged or lost, and even cloud upload services, that's a lot of data to be syncing even over WiFi.

 

[OortCloud]

Time for Creepy Tim to start a new landfill...

 

[Theinsanegamer]

How many desktop users use primarily touch screen keyboard? How many laptop users use primarily touch screen keyboard? How many console (handheld and others) use primarly touch screen keyboard?

None of those are phones?

Perhaps Apple phone users are just stupid?

Says the guy comparing an iphone to a playstationa nd ask how many console users use touch screen keyboards LMAO.

How many phone users use a physical keyboard? less than 1% for sure.

I have to ask but, what are you storing on your phone to need more than 1TB? That's a lot of data to lose if the phone gets damaged or lost, and even cloud upload services, that's a lot of data to be syncing even over WiFi.

If you've never tried recording raw 4k video footage, it uses a LOT of storage. A single hour of 4k60 video would take up about 24GB of storage. Those camera photos can also eat up the gigabytes. If you're on a longer trip or recording stuff for work, 256 or even 512GB can get very small very fast, and you have to consider the OS takes some space, apps take up space, perhaps you also have music you like to listen to, that can eat up storage.

 

[Cal Jeffrey]

If you've never tried recording raw 4k video footage, it uses a LOT of storage. A single hour of 4k60 video would take up about 24GB of storage. Those camera photos can also eat up the gigabytes. If you're on a longer trip or recording stuff for work, 256 or even 512GB can get very small very fast, and you have to consider the OS takes some space, apps take up space, perhaps you also have music you like to listen to, that can eat up storage.

HA. Tell me about it. I have family sharing setup with my daughter. I only have the 200GB plan because I don't even use half that. I take a fair amount of photos, but they only take up about 7% of the cloud. She, on the other hand, uses about 30% just in photos and videos. I'm constantly telling her she needs to clear space because I don't have enough for a backup. She finally bought a thumb drive to offload her media to because I told her if she didn't clear some stuff out of the cloud, I was going to make her pay for the storage plan. lol

 

[HardReset]

None of those are phones?

Says the guy comparing an iphone to a playstationa nd ask how many console users use touch screen keyboards LMAO.

None of those use touch screen keyboard because physical one is better. So tell me why non-physical keyboard is better on phones when basically everywhere else physical is better?

How many phone users use a physical keyboard? less than 1% for sure.

Think it this way: If Apple decides to switch completely to physical keyboard phones, what happens? Are Apple phones suddenly garbage or do Apple fanboys just accept that physical keyboard is indeed better?

99% of Apple users will suddenly notice how good physical keyboard actually is. See, only reason why Apple phones do not have keyboard is reason that when Apple introduced first phone, everyone other phone had physical keyboard. In other words, if at that time every other phone had touch screen, Apple would have put physical keyboard on their phones. Simple as that.

 

[Cal Jeffrey]

Think it this way: If Apple decides to switch completely to physical keyboard phones, what happens? Are Apple phones suddenly garbage or do Apple fanboys just accept that physical keyboard is indeed better?

99% of Apple users will suddenly notice how good physical keyboard actually is. See, only reason why Apple phones do not have keyboard is reason that when Apple introduced first phone, everyone other phone had physical keyboard. In other words, if at that time every other phone had touch screen, Apple would have put physical keyboard on their phones. Simple as that.

I'm sorry, but this makes absolutely zero sense. Physical keyboards on phones are no longer a thing.

"As of 2025, smartphones with physical keyboards remain a niche segment within the broader mobile market. While exact market share figures are scarce, estimates suggest that devices featuring physical QWERTY keyboards account for less than 0.1% of global smartphone sales."

Stop trolling, please.

 

[Lew Zealand]

None of those use touch screen keyboard because physical one is better. So tell me why non-physical keyboard is better on phones when basically everywhere else physical is better?

Everywhere else physical keyboards have the same key pitch: they're adapted to the size of people's hands. Which makes tiny physical phone keyboards a huge compromise.

Think it this way: If Apple decides to switch completely to physical keyboard phones, what happens? Are Apple phones suddenly garbage or do Apple fanboys just accept that physical keyboard is indeed better?

99% of Apple users will suddenly notice how good physical keyboard actually is. See, only reason why Apple phones do not have keyboard is reason that when Apple introduced first phone, everyone other phone had physical keyboard. In other words, if at that time every other phone had touch screen, Apple would have put physical keyboard on their phones. Simple as that.

Lol what's the point of dreaming up imaginary stories like that? If physical KBs were so great on phones, then all the top selling Android phones would have them because that would set them well apart from Apple. So how are those sales for physical KB phones?

 

[HardReset]

I'm sorry, but this makes absolutely zero sense. Physical keyboards on phones are no longer a thing.

"As of 2025, smartphones with physical keyboards remain a niche segment within the broader mobile market. While exact market share figures are scarce, estimates suggest that devices featuring physical QWERTY keyboards account for less than 0.1% of global smartphone sales."

Stop trolling, please.

If Availability is nearly zero, Sales are also nearly zero. Surprising, isn't it. Trolling at it's finest.

Everywhere else physical keyboards have the same key pitch: they're adapted to the size of people's hands. Which makes tiny physical phone keyboards a huge compromise.

Physical keyboards also have huge advantage: you can actually feel buttons whereas on touch screen you touch screen without any physical spaces between buttons. Something touch screen so far cannot replicate.

Lol what's the point of dreaming up imaginary stories like that? If physical KBs were so great on phones, then all the top selling Android phones would have them because that would set them well apart from Apple. So how are those sales for physical KB phones?

Really? https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-44248404

A US court has ordered South Korea's Samsung Electronics pay $539m (£403m) in damages for copying features of Apple's original iPhone.

You are saying Android phones try to be different than Apple but in fact largest Android manufacturer made their phones as much as possible like Apple phones ""

There you got your answer why most Android phones have no physical KB. Because Apple phones also miss that.

As for physical keyboard phone sales, latest Unihertz crowdfunding one did pretty well https://www.kickstarter.com/project...latest-5g-qwerty-physical-keyboard-smartphone

 

[Megalomaniac]

I have to ask but, what are you storing on your phone to need more than 1TB? That's a lot of data to lose if the phone gets damaged or lost, and even cloud upload services, that's a lot of data to be syncing even over WiFi.

I make Youtube videos for extra money and 1099 tax filing as a "journalist".

 

[Lew Zealand]

If Availability is nearly zero, Sales are also nearly zero. Surprising, isn't it. Trolling at it's finest.

Physical keyboards also have huge advantage: you can actually feel buttons whereas on touch screen you touch screen without any physical spaces between buttons. Something touch screen so far cannot replicate.

Is touch better than physical on a phone in absolutely every way? No. It is better for the majority of uses? Yes.

Which is why touch is the market leader on phones.

Really? https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-44248404

You are saying Android phones try to be different than Apple but in fact largest Android manufacturer made their phones as much as possible like Apple phones ""

Try to understand this again: If physical KBs were so much better on a phone, then many Android phones would use them because they are absent from Apple phones and would be a great distinguishing feature. But physical KBs are not better so 99+% of Android phones include touch KBs, apparently even with the risk of Apple litigation.

There you got your answer why most Android phones have no physical KB. Because Apple phones also miss that.

LOL that makes no sense. If physical KB was better, even for ~20% of users, then some manufacturers would make tons of money on selling phones with them. But they don't. Apple is irrelevant for that argument, yet you can't help bringing them up.

As for physical keyboard phone sales, latest Unihertz crowdfunding one did pretty well https://www.kickstarter.com/project...latest-5g-qwerty-physical-keyboard-smartphone

That looks like a reasonable answer to the question of demand: 7,000 people want a physical KB on a phone.