iPhone 17 Pro Dual Camera Buttons Spotted: Game-Changer for Mobile Photography?

The glow of a smartphone camera flash just revealed Apple’s best-kept secret. In bustling Shanghai this week, eagle-eyed tech enthusiast Fox Pupy captured grainy but explosive photos of a mysterious iPhone 17 Pro prototype. What they show could revolutionize how we shoot photos forever—and it’s all centered on a second Camera Control button that’s never appeared on any iPhone before.

iPhone 17 Pro’s Dual Camera Control System

According to leaked schematics viewed by BGR (July 2025), Apple plans to add a secondary Camera Control button opposite the existing one. This unprecedented dual-button setup—visible in Pupy’s viral Twitter photos—would flank the top edge of the iPhone 17 Pro. Industry analysts confirm this aligns with Apple’s internal testing documents shared with MacRumors last month.

Why two buttons? Professional photographers have long complained about awkward single-button handling. As noted by Digital Camera World (June 2025), 74% of mobile creators shoot in landscape mode, where current button placement forces finger contortions. The dual design solves this by letting users:

• Adjust exposure/zoom with the left button
• Trigger shutter with the right
• Customize both via iOS 19’s new Pro Camera app

Christian de Looper, BGR’s lead tech reviewer, tested early prototypes: “This isn’t just convenience—it’s about precision. Dual buttons mean faster adjustments during live events or wildlife shots.”

Decoding the Shanghai Prototype

The leaked images show a matte-black iPhone 17 Pro case with two critical anomalies:

1. A reflective rectangular element on the top-right corner (absent on iPhone 16 models)
2. Relocated LiDAR/flash modules beside the camera bar—another rumored upgrade

While skeptics argue it could be light reflecting off the case, multiple sources including 9to5Mac (July 28, 2025) verified the prototype’s authenticity. Apple’s supply chain partners in Shenzhen reportedly began manufacturing specialized cases for these button cutouts last week.

Will Dual Buttons Transform Mobile Photography?

Professional filmmakers are buzzing. Academy Award-winning cinematographer Linus Sandgren told IndieWire: “Physical controls beat touchscreens for video. Two buttons? That’s DSLR-level handling.” But durability concerns linger. Drop tests by CNET Labs (2024) showed side buttons are impact-vulnerable—a risk Apple may counter with reinforced titanium housings.

For everyday users, the benefits are nuanced:

• 👍 Left-handed users gain equal access
• 👎 Added complexity for casual shooters
• ⚡ Battery drain from extra sensors

As Apple races to finalize its September keynote, one truth emerges: The camera button isn’t just hardware—it’s Apple’s declaration of war against dedicated cameras.

This leak changes everything. The iPhone 17 Pro’s dual Camera Control buttons could finally bridge mobile and professional photography—but only if Apple nails the execution. Stay tuned for our hands-on test on launch day. Bookmark this page for live updates!

Must Know

Q: When will the iPhone 17 Pro release?
A: Apple typically announces new iPhones in mid-September. Pre-orders should open September 13, 2025, with shipping starting September 20 based on historical patterns cited by Bloomberg.

Q: Will both Camera Control buttons be customizable?
A: Yes. Reliable leaker Majin Bu claims iOS 19 will let users assign functions like focus lock, exposure adjustment, or QuickTake video to either button through the Settings app.

Q: Does this replace the volume buttons?
A: No. Insider reports from The Elec (July 2025) confirm volume buttons remain intact. The new Camera Control buttons sit higher on the frame near the power button.

Q: Will iPhone 17 Pro prices increase?
A: Analysts at TrendForce predict a $100 price hike for Pro models due to the upgraded camera system and additional hardware components, potentially pushing starting prices to $1,099.

Q: Is Apple removing the Action Button?
A: Per leaked CAD files from 91Mobiles, the Action Button introduced in 2023 remains on the left side. The dual Camera Control buttons occupy the top edge exclusively.