iPhone 17 Pro May Get Massive Camera Overhaul with 8x Zoom and Dual Camera Buttons

Nick Papanikolopoulos

July 28, 2025

Image Credit: Digit

Apple appears to be going all-in on photography with the iPhone 17 Pro. A fresh leak suggests that the next Pro iPhone could feature the company’s biggest camera leap yet—highlighted by an 8× telephoto lens and the possible addition of two physical camera control buttons. The leak was shared with MacRumors by an anonymous source. It claims that Apple recently filmed a promotional spot for the device with Slovenian production company Division Film. It’s a studio that has Apple listed among its clients. While the source’s claims haven’t been independently confirmed, the details line up with Apple’s rumored focus on pro-level video tools and long-range photography.

An 8× Zoom Lens—and It’s Not Just Digital

One of the most attention-grabbing upgrades in the report is a new telephoto lens capable of up to 8x optical zoom. That’s a substantial step up from the 5x zoom on the iPhone 16 Pro Max. It puts Apple’s camera system in closer competition with rivals like Samsung’s Galaxy Ultra line.

More notably, the lens is said to offer continuous zoom across multiple focal lengths. This could mean Apple is moving toward variable telephoto hardware rather than fixed optical levels. That would mark a dramatic shift, giving users more DSLR-style control when framing shots from different distances.

If true, this would be one of the most advanced zoom systems Apple has ever shipped. It could also be serious boost for mobile photographers and videographers.

A Pro Camera App—and Maybe More Buttons

Alongside the hardware changes, the leak mentions Apple may roll out a dedicated “pro” camera app, offering advanced controls for photo and video that go beyond what’s available in the default Camera app. It could compete with popular third-party options like Halide or Filmic Pro, offering manual ISO, focus peaking, frame rate toggles, and more.

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It’s unclear whether this new app will be exclusive to the iPhone 17 Pro or arrive on older Pro models. Then there’s the button rumor—and this one’s a bit more unexpected. The iPhone 17 Pro may include a second physical camera button, positioned on the top edge of the phone. Apple already introduced a customizable Action Button on the side of the iPhone 16 Pro series, but feedback has been mixed.

A top-mounted button could cater to video creators shooting in landscape mode, offering a more natural shutter-style control. Still, it’s a surprising rumor given that Apple has been rumored to be moving toward a button-less future for years.

More Design Tweaks and a New Finish

Beyond the camera upgrades, the leak also suggests a new copper-like finish is in the works. There’s also talk of a centered Apple logo on the back, though it’s unclear whether that’s a design prototype or production-bound detail.

Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 lineup in September, as usual. With rumors stacking up, it looks like the Pro model could see its most significant imaging leap in years. If even a few of these changes hold true, it might just be the phone of choice for creators.

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