The Deepdive

iPhone 17 Pro is coming, but will it change your daily experience?

• Allen & Ida • Season 2 • Episode 3

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We cut through the noise surrounding Apple's rumored iPhone 17 Pro to determine which features will actually impact your daily experience and which are just marketing hype.

• Anti-reflective screen coating could be a game changer for outdoor visibility and scratch resistance
• Potential shift from titanium back to aluminum frames has sparked heated debate about what "premium" means
• New silicon-carbon anode batteries could push the Pro Max to 5,000mAh capacity with AI optimization
• Camera upgrades include possible 8x continuous optical zoom and 48MP telephoto camera
• Performance improvements include A19 Pro chip, 12GB RAM, and vapor chamber cooling
• iPhone lineup becoming more specialized with Pro features increasingly targeting content creators
• The Air model might offer better value with rumored Pro chip in an ultra-thin design

Is the Pro designation still worth it for average users, or are we seeing smartphones reach a point where specialized features matter only to specific user groups?


Leave your thoughts in the comments and subscribe for more tech updates and reviews.

Ida:

Welcome to the Deep Dive. We try to cut through the noise, get you really informed, and you know how it is with Apple's September launches Always a buzz. But this year the iPhone 17 Pro rumors they're getting loud, like really loud Promises of new looks, crazy performance.

Allan:

Yeah, and that's what we're diving into today. We're looking at these rumored iPhone 17 Pro features, but you know specifically from your perspective, the person actually using the phone, right, diving into today we're looking at these rumored iPhone 17 Pro features, but you know specifically from your perspective, the person actually using the phone, right, we've got stuff from Forbes McCrumor's chaos, aka news, battery trend analysis and, really importantly, what people are actually saying on reddit, youtube reviews, that kind of thing exactly because the big question really is, with all these potential changes swirling around, what actually matters to you day to day.

Allan:

Is it real innovation stuff that makes your life easier?

Ida:

Or is it just you know changes to keep us buying the next new thing, that whole upgrade cycle?

Allan:

That's the goal today. Cut through the hype. See what the real world impact might be for you.

Ida:

Okay, let's dive in. Where should we start?

Allan:

Maybe the outside what you see and touch Sounds good. Let's start with the screen and the overall design, because Forbes and McRumors they're citing reliable sources about something pretty anticipated for the 17 Pro models an anti-reflective screen.

Ida:

Oh wow, Anti-reflective that's something I know I've wished for like countless times, Right? So, based on what you're seeing in the sources, how big a deal is this really for someone using their phone every day? Is it a genuine game changer or just you know nice?

Allan:

It honestly could be a game changer for just daily viewing Really, yeah, think about those times you're outside, bright sun squinting.

Ida:

Constantly angling the phone.

Allan:

Yeah, exactly this promises much easier visibility. Consistently angling the phone yeah, exactly this promises much easier visibility. The insight here is it might take the phone from being kind of unusable sometimes outdoors to just consistently readable. That's a big improvement for your daily experience.

Ida:

Okay, that does sound significant.

Allan:

And there's a bonus mention too Supposedly greater scratch resistance.

Ida:

Greater scratch resistance. Now that's interesting. I mean people complain about micro-scrrappers all the time, even on the fancy glass they use. Now Are the sources saying how much better it might be, or is it just like a general claim tied to the new coating?

Allan:

It's being reported as a pretty substantial improvement, like the direct benefit of the coating technology itself.

Ida:

Okay.

Allan:

The implication is it's a real step towards better protection from just everyday wear and tear.

Ida:

All right. Well, an anti-reflective, tougher screen sounds like a definite win, but not all the rumored design changes are getting that kind of positive reaction, are they?

Allan:

No, definitely not. Take the frame material. There's talk of shifting away from titanium or stainless steel for the 17 Pro.

Ida:

Uh-huh Two.

Allan:

Back to aluminum. With the back that's described as part aluminum, part glass.

Ida:

Aluminum on the Pro. Okay, I can already hear the keyboards clacking. What are people saying?

Allan:

Oh, it's a real hot button issue. Reading comments are pretty direct. Things like seriously is a joke. Downgrade from titanium to aluminum.

Ida:

Yeah, I saw that one.

Allan:

And are they really about to gaslight us on aluminum not being a downgrade? Yeah, people feel like pro should mean the absolute top tier materials.

Ida:

I get that it feels like a step back and premium feel. But I've also seen some counter arguments right, Like maybe it's for sustainability.

Allan:

Exactly. Some users are speculating. Maybe aluminum takes less heat to produce or it's easier to recycle.

Ida:

Or maybe just lighter, it could be a plus.

Allan:

That's another possibility. It highlights that tension, you know, Right Between that premium feel people expect and other factors like weight cost or maybe even environmental goals.

Ida:

Do the sources give any official why from Apple on this, or is it all just speculation?

Allan:

Right now mostly speculation based on the rumors. Apple rarely telegraphs the why behind these material choices beforehand. The insight is Apple often balances cost, manufacturing sustainability and user feel.

Ida:

But when it feels like a downgrade on a pro phone.

Allan:

That's where you get the friction Exactly.

Ida:

Okay, and sticking with the outside, the camera bump. It's not going away, is it?

Allan:

Doesn't sound like it. The rumors point to a large rectangular bump, maybe with rounded corners this time and a new triangular lens layout inside it.

Ida:

Triangular. Okay, and how's that landing with users? I'm guessing Not great.

Allan:

You guessed right. Lots of criticism. Saw one comment ugliest back ever. Ouch Another joking. Now you got a whole stove and the classic I hate camera bumps.

Ida:

It's that wobble, isn't it? When you put it flat on a table Drives people nuts.

Allan:

It's a persistent frustration and it brings up that question for you listening. What do you value more? A slightly slimmer phone overall, maybe enabled by these designs, or would you rather they just make the phone a tiny bit thicker, get rid of the bump, maybe add more battery in the process?

Ida:

That's the eternal tradeoff, isn't it?

Allan:

It really is.

Ida:

Okay, here's where it gets, let's say, really interesting, almost funny, depending on your perspective. The Apple logo.

Allan:

Yes, the logo.

Ida:

The rumor is it might be moving lower down on the back.

Allan:

That's the word and, yeah, this feature has definitely raised some eyebrows.

Ida:

I bet. What are the reactions like?

Allan:

Pretty much what you expect. Sarcasm mostly, things like how is Apple logo repositioning a feature? Or you know, mockingly it's revolutionary. Another one pointed out what a time we live in, when a repositioned brand logo is considered a feature.

Ida:

It does feel a bit like grasping at straws, maybe to make it seem like more has changed.

Allan:

That's the insight, I think, for a lot of users, cosmetic tweaks like this just fuel skepticism. They want real, impactful changes, not just rearranging the furniture on the back.

Ida:

Right, okay, so that's the controversial exterior. Let's move inside, under the hood. What's powering this thing?

Allan:

Okay Performance. We're expecting the A19 Pro Chip built on TSMC's third gen three nanometer process.

Ida:

Which means typical Apple improvement modest speed bump, better power efficiency.

Allan:

Pretty much that's the usual pattern Modest year over year gains in performance, but often useful improvements in how efficiently it uses power.

Ida:

And anything else, performance-wise RAM connectivity.

Allan:

Yes, actually A potentially significant bump in RAM rumored 12 gigabytes for the 17 Pro models and maybe even the 17 Air 12 gigs.

Ida:

Okay, that's quite a jump. Why is that important?

Allan:

Well, the insight is that more RAM really helps with Apple intelligence Features, those AI things need memory and just smoother multitasking. As we do more on our phones, that fluidity becomes key.

Ida:

Makes sense and connectivity.

Allan:

All four iPhone 17 models are expected to get an Apple-designed Wi-Fi 7 chip.

Ida:

Wi-Fi 7. So faster, more reliable connections Good.

Allan:

And one more thing for the Pro models rumored vapor chamber cooling.

Ida:

Ah for heat management, especially if you're doing demanding stuff.

Allan:

Exactly. Better heat dissipation could be crucial for things like, say, 8K video recording, which is also rumored.

Ida:

Okay, so they're definitely still pushing performance, especially for high-end tasks.

Allan:

Seems like it. Now let's talk battery. Always a big topic, always.

Ida:

What are the rumors there?

Allan:

Potentially the biggest battery ever in an iPhone. For the 17 Pro Max, projections are hitting around 5,000 milliamp hours.

Ida:

Wow, 5,000. How much bigger is that than the current one?

Allan:

It's about a 7% increase over the expected iPhone 16 Pro Max battery, which is already pretty large at 4,676 milliamps 7% isn't trivial Plus, isn't there software optimization coming too. Right. Ios 19 is reportedly going to use machine learning, AI optimization, to dynamically cut down power consumption across all the new models.

Ida:

Okay, so that 7% battery capacity increase plus AI optimization. What does that actually translate to for someone who's glued to their phone all day? Is it finally pushing into solid two-day territory or just adding a couple more hours?

Allan:

It could be genuinely transformative for heavy users, especially on the Pro Max. That combo might be the difference between hitting low battery warnings in the evening and comfortably getting through a full day and maybe even part of the next. The insight isn't just raw size, it's using software smarts to maximize it, aiming for that true all day plus experience.

Ida:

There's always a but, isn't there. I heard something about the battery tech itself changing.

Allan:

Yeah, the reports mentioned new silicon carbon anode batteries for the whole iPhone 17 series.

Ida:

Silicon carbon, okay, and that requires specialized repair tools.

Allan:

Apparently so, yeah, which could make third party repairs harder or impossible, at least initially.

Ida:

Hmm, so better battery maybe, but potentially locking you more into Apple's repair ecosystem.

Allan:

That's one way to look at it. It subtly impacts long term cost and repair freedom.

Ida:

And this still ties into that design debate, right Like the one word thinner iPhone 17 Air. Even with battery tech improvements, thinner usually means less space for battery overall.

Allan:

Exactly that tug of war continues. You get users wanting that super sleek device like the Air, but others saying just make it a millimeter thicker and give me a battery that lasts forever. Apple seems to be trying to cater to both, but with clear lines Pro Max for battery, air for thinness, maybe.

Ida:

It's interesting, though. You mentioned repair costs those cheaper battery replacements like $50, $70. Data shows around 31% of users actually choose that route getting a battery swap instead of upgrading their whole phone.

Allan:

That's a really important point. It shows a big chunk of people are pushing back against the constant upgrade pressure, especially if it's just the battery dying.

Ida:

They're saying my phone's fine, just needs new juice.

Allan:

Exactly. It shows that for many the value prop of a yearly upgrade just isn't there anymore, especially if a single repair extends the life significantly.

Ida:

Okay, let's switch gears to cameras because, let's face it, for a lot of people the iPhone is their main camera.

Allan:

Absolutely, and the 17 Pro rumors suggest some massive camera upgrades are coming.

Ida:

Like what Give me the highlights.

Allan:

First up, an upgraded telephoto lens rumored to go up to 8x optical zoom.

Ida:

Eight times, Wow. That's a big jump from the current 5x on the Pro Max.

Allan:

Huge jump and there are whispers of continuous optical zoom within that range, not just fixed points.

Ida:

Continuous zoom. That sounds very pro. What else?

Allan:

The rear telephoto camera itself might get bumped to 48 megapixels for the pro models.

Ida:

Okay, more detail.

Allan:

And all the iPhone 17 models, even the non-pro ones, are rumored to get an upgraded front-facing camera, 24 megapixels up from 12.

Ida:

Better selfies and FaceTime for everyone, then Nice.

Allan:

Plus, talk of dual video recording, front and back cameras at the same time.

Ida:

Ooh vlogger feature.

Allan:

Definitely, cameras at the same time, ooh, vlogger feature Definitely. And 8K video recording, which was apparently tested on the 16 Pro, is expected to finally debut on the 17 Pro.

Ida:

So the hardware is getting seriously beefed up, especially for video creators.

Allan:

That's the clear direction. The insight is they're pushing the iPhone deeper into that professional content creation space.

Ida:

Which makes sense if you're trying to justify the pro name. Right, but it's not just hardware, is it? There's talk about software too.

Allan:

Right Rumors of an all-new pro camera app from Apple, or maybe a big update to their Final Cut camera app, something to really compete with popular third-party apps like Halide.

Ida:

Okay, so giving pros more control.

Allan:

And adding to that pro focus, there's another hardware rumor An additional camera control button.

Ida:

Wait, another one Besides the capture button they added where would this one go?

Allan:

Rumored to be on the top edge of the phone, complementing the one on the bottom right.

Ida:

Huh, an extra camera button. How's that going down online? Let me guess Mixed feelings.

Allan:

You got it? Comments on Reddit like sounds unnecessary or please no more additional camera control buttons.

Ida:

Yeah, I can see that it feels like it could clutter the design for people who aren't hardcore photographers.

Allan:

Exactly. Apple's stated goal, supposedly, is to emphasize the iPhone 17 Pro's improved video recording capabilities, targeting vloggers and creators.

Ida:

So it comes back to that question. These are definitely pro features, but do they make sense for the average user? Does it justify the name and maybe the price for everyone?

Allan:

That's the core debate. These features might actually make the phone less appealing or more complex for someone who just wants to point and shoot, reinforcing the idea that pro is becoming more niche.

Ida:

Okay. So putting it all together, all these potential changes, the screen, the aluminum, the battery differences, the crazy cameras, how does someone actually choose, especially between the Pro and the Pro Max, or maybe even throwing the new Air into the mix?

Allan:

Yeah, that Pro versus Pro Max dilemma is always tough and the 17 series looks set to continue. It maybe even complicated with the Air getting stronger.

Ida:

What were the key differences people focused on with the last generation, the 15s? That probably gives us clues.

Allan:

Definitely. A YouTube reviewer broke it down well Obvious one Screen size 6.1-inch Pro versus 6.7-inch Pro Max. That's fundamental.

Ida:

Right Hand feel pocketability.

Allan:

Then the telephoto camera. On the 15s it was 3x for the Pro, 5x for the Pro Max, with the 17 Pro rumored to get that 8x zoom.

Ida:

That difference in zoom capability will likely still be a major Pro Max advantage.

Allan:

Almost certainly, and battery life of the Pro Max just consistently offers more usually 3-5 hours extra screen time. That's huge for many.

Ida:

But didn't you say they might be getting lighter this year and less sharp edges?

Allan:

Yes, both 17 Pro models rumored to be 8-9% lighter with curved edges. That same reviewer said the difference in feel moving away from the boxy design was shockingly noticeable.

Ida:

Okay, that could make the Pro Max feel less like a brick, but still that pinky pain from holding the bigger phone it's real. It absolutely is One-handed use typing.

Allan:

It's real. It absolutely is One-handed use typing. It's just generally easier on the standard Pro.

Ida:

The.

Allan:

Pro Max can feel unwieldy, especially if you don't have huge hands.

Ida:

And then fitting it in your pocket. Pro usually wins there.

Allan:

For sure. So even if it's lighter, the physical size is still a major deciding factor.

Ida:

And price. Don't forget price. Didn't Apple make the Pro Max effectively more expensive last time by ditching the base storage?

Allan:

They did. The 15 Pro Max started at 256 GB for $1,199, while the 15 Pro started at 128 GB for $999. That automatically created a $200 gap right at the entry point.

Ida:

Which definitely pushes some people away from the Max if they don't need all that storage.

Allan:

Exactly so. All these factors feed into this idea of the evolving pro brand.

Ida:

Is it just better, or is it really for professionals? What?

Allan:

are people saying about that? Well, 9to5Mac had an interesting take. Looking at the MacBook Pro and iPad Pro lines. Those are now very differentiated, very expensive, clearly targeting pros.

Ida:

Right, which makes the non-pro versions like the M3 iPad Air, really appealing for most people.

Allan:

And the argument is maybe the iPhone is heading that way too, especially if the iPhone 17 Air gets rumored upgrades like the A19 Pro Chip and 12GB RAM.

Ida:

Wait, the Air might get the Pro Chip.

Allan:

That's one of the rumors Plus an ultra thin design, so you might have an Air that's super powerful, looks great.

Ida:

And maybe more appealing to the average person than the Pro with its super specialized cameras and extra buttons.

Allan:

That's the potential shift. Is the iPhone 17 Pro moving away from the mainstream? Are you, the listener, still drawn to those Pro camera features, or is the Air starting to look like the smarter buy?

Ida:

It's a good question. We see that sentiment online too, don't we People saying the upgrades aren't compelling, year after year?

Allan:

Yeah, comments like, none of which affect my everyday life as a 16 Pro owner, or simply no way. Should most people be upgrading every year? There's definite upgrade fatigue setting in. For some, the Pro features might not feel worth it compared to a good air or even just keeping their existing phone longer.

Ida:

Okay, so let's try to wrap this up. We've covered a lot in this deep dive on the iPhone 17 Pro rumors.

Allan:

We have. It's a real mix, isn't it?

Ida:

Yeah, a blend of things that sound genuinely innovative, maybe even game-changing for daily use that anti-reflective screen, potentially huge battery gains on the Max, the camera tech getting pushed further, but then mixed with these more controversial changes the potential switch back to aluminum, that camera bump sticking around the infamous repositioned logo.

Allan:

And user reaction is clearly divided on those Some see benefits, others see downgrades or just pointlessness.

Ida:

So the choice for you, the consumer, it's getting more complicated. It feels like you have to really weigh those specialized pro features which seem increasingly aimed at creators.

Allan:

Against maybe a more balanced but still very powerful Air model, or just holding on to what you have. It's not a simple pro is best decision anymore.

Ida:

It really makes you think, which leads us to our final thought for you to chew on.

Allan:

Okay.

Ida:

In a world where smartphones are already incredibly capable, what does pro even mean anymore for the average person's daily life? Is Apple designing these top-tier phones for everyone, or are they increasingly for a specific niche the power users, the vloggers, the mobile filmmakers?

Allan:

And if that's the case, are the rest of us better off considering if, sometimes, less is actually more?

Ida:

What does a feature truly mean to you when you pick up your phone every single day? How long until that pro label feels less like an essential upgrade and more like something else entirely?

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Allan

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Ida

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