This autumn, Apple is set to launch the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. While the enhancements to the camera have nearly always been the highlight for iPhone Pro models, this year stands out a bit more. We will explore all the current speculations regarding the iPhone 17 Pro’s camera and the implications for your photography.
To start with, the iPhone 17 Pro is expected to feature a camera-bar style layout, while still adhering to the classic triangular triple camera arrangement that has been present since the iPhone 11 Pro. This updated layout will shift the microphone, LiDAR module, and flash to the right side – potentially creating space for larger sensors.
We’ve been exposed to this design for several months, and we even recently spotted an Apple employee testing one publicly with a subtle case. Nevertheless, many are curious – will this year’s camera enhancements validate the significantly larger camera bump?
### New Telephoto Lens
This year, a new 48MP Telephoto lens is anticipated, enabling sharper images from the zoom lens. It also suggests that Apple may introduce their optical crop feature that first appeared on the iPhone 14 Pro – where the device crops to the central 12MP of the image to produce an ‘optical’ photograph.
In this scenario, hypothetically speaking, if we had a 5x 48MP telephoto, the iPhone would be capable of taking 10x images in 12MP.
However, the current speculation points to an 8x telephoto instead of a 5x. While this rumor is somewhat uncertain, it is noteworthy. That source also suggested the addition of a second Camera Control button on the top of the device, though this seems highly improbable at this point in the cycle. We would have expected some evidence by now.
Regardless, with the Telephoto lens advancing to 48MP, this means all three lenses on the iPhone will share the same resolution. Last year, the iPhone 16 Pro featured a 48MP Ultra Wide lens.
### Enhanced Front-Facing Camera
In addition to the telephoto lens, the front-facing camera is also expected to receive a significant upgrade this year. It is anticipated to move from a 12MP sensor to a 24MP sensor, resulting in clearer selfies – as well as more defined videos for platforms like TikTok.
### Camera App Enhancements
As per a source from MacRumors, Apple is developing a new professional camera application for iPhone 17 Pro users – catering to both photography and videography. The specifics remain unclear, but the source indicated that it will potentially compete with apps like Halide, Kino, and Filmic Pro.
Moreover, other sources have reported that Apple is exploring multi-camera video recording for the iPhone 17 Pro. 8K video recording might also be on the agenda.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has noted that Apple aims for the iPhone 17 Pro to become the premier choice for vloggers and content creators. It seems that video capabilities will be a major emphasis for the iPhone 17 Pro.
