Now that the iPhone 16 Pro has arrived, you may be wondering if it’s worth upgrading if you’re still using an older device. We’re early in the iPhone 17 rumor cycle, but there already seems to be a compelling argument to hold off on upgrading until the iPhone 17 Pro arrives.
That said, there’s a lot to note about the new iPhone 16 Pro, including an upgraded and enhanced camera array, display, chipset, and battery life compared to the older model. Not to mention the arrival of Apple Intelligence, a new suite of AI-powered features that will only roll out to the best iPhones on the market. If you’re wondering whether to upgrade to this year’s model, this iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro comparison will help you find out if it’s worth buying now or waiting. can.
Scroll through to see all the specs and a breakdown of the rumored upgrades for these two phones. This also includes important differences and similarities you should know before deciding to make the switch. In the end, you should have a good understanding of how the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro compares to the iPhone 16 Pro and arrive at the answer.
iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro: models and prices
The most promising rumor we’ve heard about the iPhone 17 lineup so far is the addition of a new phone called the iPhone 17 Slim. This model is said to be the thinnest iPhone ever, and like the Pixel 9 series, it features a camera housed within the visor. The iPhone 17 Slim will replace Apple’s Plus line as a variation of the basic phone, making the iPhone 16 Plus the last of its kind.
It’s difficult to determine the price of the iPhone 17 Pro this long ago. Rumors that Apple would increase the prices of this year’s iPhone models did not materialize, with the iPhone 16 launching at $799 and the iPhone 16 Pro Max topping the lineup at $1,199. For now, we’re assuming the iPhone 17 Pro will launch at the same $999 price as the iPhone 16 Pro, but a lot can happen between now and next September.
iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro: Design and performance
Based on what we’ve heard so far, it seems like the iPhone 17 Pro’s display won’t be significantly different from this year’s model. Rather, one dividing line between Apple’s vanilla and high-end iPhone lines is when the standard iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Slim are set to receive a Pro-style upgrade in the form of an LTPO display with a 120Hz refresh rate. may apply.
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are still at 60Hz, the first since the iPhone 13 Pro, but the 120Hz “ProMotion” screen, which can update images up to 120 times per second and therefore offers smoother performance, is traditionally Apple’s Reserved for top-level terminals. However, things may change with the iPhone 17 series.
With the iPhone 16 series, Apple introduced both an action button and a new camera control button to all four iPhone models. We expect these to remain on the iPhone 17 Pro Max, but Apple may have new ones in store that haven’t surfaced yet.
Leaker Majin Bu, who is controversial when it comes to Apple rumors, suggests that the iPhone 17 Pro could debut in three new colorways: teal titanium, green titanium, and dark green titanium. This will be quite a change for Apple, which tends to favor muted colors in its Pro series. For reference, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are available in natural titanium, white titanium, black titanium, and a new metallic rose gold color, desert titanium.
iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro: Camera
When it comes to cameras, there’s a lot to be excited about with the iPhone 17 series. Both the Pro and Pro Max are said to feature a 48MP telephoto rear camera and a 24MP front camera, a significant upgrade from the 12MP versions of both cameras found on the current Pro model. Masu. However, it’s unclear whether the 48MP telephoto rear camera will be exclusive to the larger Pro Max before coming to the smaller Pro model with the iPhone 18 Pro.
All four iPhone 17 models are rumored to have an upgraded 24MP front-facing camera, according to a report from Apple supply chain analysts Ming-Chi Kuo and Jeff Pu. So this is just another dividing line between the standard and Pro models that can fall by the wayside.
iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro: Outlook
The release of the iPhone 16 is just around the corner, but we’re still in the early stages of rumors about Apple’s next-generation phone. If history holds true, the iPhone 17 Pro is expected to launch in September 2025 along with the rest of the iPhone 17 series. With so much time left until launch, additional details are almost certain to be revealed in the coming months. So be sure to check out our iPhone 17 hub for all the latest rumors and leaks.
