iPhone 17 Pro Series Reintroduces Aluminum Frame and Bold Color Palette

Apple has officially unveiled its latest flagship smartphones, the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, during its "Awe Dropping" event on September 9. These new models, available for pre-order on September 12 and shipping September 19, introduce significant design changes and performance enhancements. As noted by The Verge in a hands-on preview, the devices feature "> refreshing bold colors, soft matte unibody aluminum frame, and a nice two-tone back with a full-width camera bar."

The design marks a notable shift, moving from the titanium of previous Pro models back to a soft matte unibody aluminum frame. This material change is partly attributed to improved thermal dissipation, crucial for the powerful new internals. The phones are available in silver, blue, and orange, with the absence of a traditional black option drawing particular attention. Both the front and back are protected by Ceramic Shield, offering enhanced durability.

Powering the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max is the new A19 Pro chip, delivering 40% better sustained performance compared to its predecessor. Apple has integrated an advanced vapor chamber cooling system to manage heat effectively, ensuring optimal performance during intensive tasks. This focus on thermal management aims to provide a more consistent user experience.

The camera system sees substantial upgrades, featuring three 48MP Fusion Cameras on the rear. The telephoto lens now supports both 4x and 8x optical zoom capabilities, alongside ProRES Raw Capture video support for professional-grade videography. An 18MP Center Stage front-facing camera also enhances video calls and selfies with a wider field of view.

Both Pro models boast Pro Motion displays, with the iPhone 17 Pro at 6.3 inches and the Pro Max at 6.9 inches, offering adaptive refresh rates from 1Hz to 120Hz and a peak brightness of 3,000 nits. The iPhone 17 Pro Max promises Apple's longest battery life ever, with up to 39 hours of video playback on a single charge. Pricing remains consistent with previous Pro generations, starting at $1,099 for the iPhone 17 Pro and $1,199 for the iPhone 17 Pro Max.