iPhone 17 Leak Reveals Periscope Camera and Under-Display Face ID
The next-generation iPhone could finally deliver two of the most anticipated features in Apple's history. Here's what the latest supply chain reports are saying.
Published: September 12, 2025
While the latest iPhone has just hit the shelves, the tech world's gaze is already shifting to what's next. According to new reports from trusted industry analysts, Apple is gearing up for a monumental leap with the iPhone 17, potentially introducing a periscope telephoto lens and its first-ever under-display Face ID system. These changes could mark the most significant design and hardware overhaul in years, addressing key areas where competitors have pulled ahead.
A True All-Screen iPhone: Under-Display Face ID
The biggest rumor points to the end of the notch and the Dynamic Island as we know it. Apple is reportedly finalizing technology that will place the entire Face ID sensor array—including the dot projector and infrared camera—directly under the display. Unlike the small camera cutouts seen on Android phones, this would make the sensors completely invisible during normal use, creating a truly uninterrupted, edge-to-edge screen experience for the first time.
This technology is incredibly complex to perfect, as the sensors must be able to function accurately through the OLED pixels. If successful, it would be a massive differentiator in the US smartphone market and a huge win for consumers who want maximum screen real estate. For more details on current phone tech, see our Top Picks for 2025.
Closing the Zoom Gap: The Periscope Camera
For years, iPhone users have watched as competitors like Samsung have offered incredible optical zoom capabilities. The iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to finally close this gap with the introduction of a periscope telephoto camera.
A periscope lens uses a prism to fold light at a 90-degree angle, allowing for a much longer lens assembly to be placed horizontally inside the phone's body. This could enable the iPhone 17 Pro to offer 5x or even 10x optical zoom, a massive improvement over the current 3x limit. This would be a game-changer for concert photography, wildlife shots, and any situation where you can't get physically closer to your subject.
Other iPhone 17 Rumors to Watch
- A19 Pro Chip: A new chip built on a next-generation 2-nanometer process, promising major boosts in performance and power efficiency.
- ProMotion for All Models: The smooth 120Hz ProMotion display technology could finally come to the standard iPhone 17 models.
- Solid-State Buttons: Rumors of haptic, non-moving buttons for volume and power continue to circulate, potentially improving water resistance.
- Wi-Fi 7 Support: The next generation of Wi-Fi for faster speeds and lower latency on compatible networks.
Our Early Verdict
While these are still early rumors, they come from reliable sources within Apple's supply chain. If even half of them prove true, the iPhone 17 could be one of the most exciting upgrades in recent memory. The combination of a true all-screen display and a powerful new zoom camera would make it an incredibly compelling device. As always, we'll keep you updated on all the latest tech news as it breaks.