Apple iPhone 17 Pro to Feature Major Telephoto Camera Upgrade
Apple is reportedly planning a significant upgrade to the Telephoto camera in the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro. While at first glance it may seem like a downgrade, this change could actually enhance real-world usability, according to a recent leak.
Upgraded Telephoto Lens: 48MP Sensor
According to leaker Majin Bu, the iPhone 17 Pro will feature a new Telephoto lens equipped with a 48MP sensor, replacing the 12MP sensor currently found in the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max. This rumor has been circulating for some time, with multiple sources supporting the claim. However, Bu adds a new twist: Apple will reduce the optical zoom to 3.5x (85mm equivalent) instead of the 5x zoom (120mm equivalent) in the iPhone 16 Pro models.
Improved Portrait Photography and Versatility
Although a reduction in zoom might appear to be a drawback, the change could greatly benefit users.
The 85mm focal length generally suits portrait photography and everyday shots better, as it allows users to frame subjects without stepping too far back.
The higher 48MP resolution will also enable digital cropping, simulating longer focal lengths without sacrificing image quality. This is similar to Apple’s Fusion camera system on the iPhone 16, where the 48MP sensor allows a 2x digital crop, producing a high-quality 12MP image with minimal loss of detail.
How Apple’s Computational Photography Enhances Zoom
One of the biggest advantages of this new Telephoto camera is the combination of high-resolution sensors with computational photography. Apple is expected to rely more on software enhancements to compensate for optical limitations, providing users with greater flexibility in zooming while maintaining image quality.
For portrait photography, a 3.5x zoom lens is more practical, especially indoors or in tight spaces, allowing users to capture better-composed shots without needing excessive distance from their subject.
A Fully 48MP Triple-Camera System?
If this leak proves accurate, the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max could become the first iPhone models to feature a triple-camera setup entirely composed of 48MP lenses. The iPhone 16 Pro already boasts 48MP main and Ultra-Wide cameras, so adding a high-resolution Telephoto lens would complete the transition.
iPhone 17 Pro Expected Release Date
Apple typically unveils new iPhone models in September, so the iPhone 17 lineup is expected to be announced around that time in 2025. With these rumored upgrades, the iPhone 17 Pro could offer enhanced zoom capabilities, better portrait photography, and improved image quality—all thanks to Apple’s advancements in sensor technology and computational photography.
Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the official announcement!
