Apple’s iPhone 17 packs several hidden upgrades – from dual 48 MP cameras to enhanced security and faster charging. Here’s a closer look at five under-the-radar features Apple didn’t highlight.
Published: November 5, 2025 1:32 PM IST
One might forgive the Apple keynote presentation for the iPhone 17 for burying some of the improvements in favor of focusing on the headline upgrades. But looking beyond the top-level features of the iPhone 17, several subtle but still significant additions are new to this generation. Here are five enhancements Apple didn’t emphasize as much as others – but might still impact your buying decision.
Dual 48 MP Rear Cameras – Even on the Base Model
Dual 48 MP rear sensors, on the main as well as the ultra-wide, are now standard on the iPhone 17’s base model, up from 12 MP on the iPhone 16 base. For photography enthusiasts, this means clearer images with improved low-light shooting and more flexibility to crop while retaining resolution.
Advanced Memory Integrity Enforcement (MIE) – Security Gets Serious
This one is a pretty big “invisible” upgrade on the iPhone 17. Apple is touting something it’s calling Memory Integrity Enforcement (MIE), which will use a combination of hardware and software to “tag” blocks of memory to prevent unauthorized access or modification, raising the bar on spyware and memory corruption exploits.
Faster Charging & Wireless Freedom – But With a Caveat
The new “Dynamic” 40 W (60 W max) power adapter gets the iPhone 17 to 50 % charge in around 20 minutes, and up to 25 W wireless Qi2 charging is supported for the first time. However-and this is important- some of these improvements are missing or limited on the iPhone Air version.
Entry Storage & Connectivity Upgrades – Subtle but Impactful
The long-decried 128 GB base storage model has been eliminated. The iPhone 17 now starts at 256 GB, a no-brainer for those who take photos, shoot video, and download apps. Meanwhile, under the hood, an N1 networking chip brings Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread support.
Display & Build tweaks that matter
The iPhone 17 base model now includes a 120 Hz refresh rate display, smoothing out motion and gaming visuals, and upping its value proposition versus the Pro models. Also, new Ceramic Shield 2 front glass is purportedly 3x more resistant to scratches, which in day-to-day use could make a meaningful difference in durability.
If you were on the fence about the iPhone 17 and thought the announced specifications were just evolutionary, these “hidden” upgrades might change your mind. From the improved base-model camera to the more stringent memory access security and the raised storage floor, the iPhone 17 has quietly gained several meaningful improvements. For those weighing a purchase, they could be what tilts the balance.
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