Apple’s highly anticipated iPhone 17 reveal is only a few months away, with a launch event anticipated in early September. Here are four new camera enhancements expected to be included with the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max.
## #1: Enhanced 48MP telephoto
Since the launch of the iPhone 11 Pro in 2019, the three-camera setup on the rear of the iPhone has become standard for Pro variants. However, progress on each of these three cameras often occurs at different intervals.
For instance, the iPhone 14 Pro introduced a 48MP sensor for the primary “wide” camera lens. Then, last year, the iPhone 16 Pro upgraded the ultra-wide lens to 48MP.
Now, the iPhone 17 Pro is anticipated to round out the trio by upgrading the telephoto lens to 48MP as well. This modification could potentially influence the default zoom setting in the Camera app, which is presently 5x.
## #2: Multi-camera video recording
The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are reported to receive a unique new feature in the Camera app: the ability to record video using multiple cameras simultaneously.
While third-party applications have long facilitated simultaneous video capture, this capability has never been integrated into Apple’s own Camera app.
The reason Apple may restrict this feature to new devices is unclear, suggesting there may be new functionalities with multi-camera recording that have yet to be revealed.
## #3: Fresh 24MP TrueDepth front camera
It has been some time since Apple implemented significant updates to the iPhone’s front-facing TrueDepth camera.
Fortunately, this year appears to bring about that change.
The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, along with the more budget-friendly 17 and 17 Air, are all expected to feature a completely new 24MP TrueDepth camera.
The existing front-facing camera remains at 12MP, a standard that has persisted for years.
## #4: Revamped camera ‘island’
The phrase ‘camera bump’ has been associated with the iPhone for over a decade, dating back to when the camera on the iPhone 6 protruded from the device’s body.
Arguably, the term ‘bump’ does not adequately capture recent iPhone aesthetics, as that protrusion has grown substantially.
However, with the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, the term ‘island’ might be more fitting.
Apple intends to extend the camera bump into a full-width camera ‘bar’ or ‘island’ across the back of the iPhone. This alteration will result in certain components, like the flash, being positioned further away from the cameras.
The specific functional advantages of this redesign are still unknown, but it’s reasonable to assume that Apple has a valid rationale for this change.
## iPhone 17 Pro camera features: conclusion
Camera advancements are consistently a significant highlight of new iPhones, and this year seems no exception. The ultra-slim iPhone 17 Air will likely entice many Pro users. Yet, when it comes to achieving the optimal camera system, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will remain the leading choices.
