What Does the iPhone 17 Camera Look Like?

The new iPhone 17 lineup was finally unveiled at Apple’s ‘Awe Dropping’ event in California on September 9. As expected, it includes four models: the base iPhone 17, the Pro, Pro Max, and an ultra-thin iPhone Air, which replaces the iPhone 16 Plus. 

While prices remain (unexpectedly!) mostly the same, Tim Cook says the series is “unlike anything we’ve ever created.” Alongside the addition of a brand new model, Apple’s latest iPhone devices come with a whole host of updates, from a high-performance A19 chip to larger batteries.

Another area that received plenty of improvements this year is the devices’ camera setups. In fact, Apple is so confident in its new camera systems that the entire iPhone launch event was recorded on the 17 Pro!

So, what’s changed on the iPhone 17 series? Keep reading as we explore the camera hardware and software updates for this year’s models.

iPhone 17 Camera Specs

Wondering how the iPhone 17 camera compares to the previous series? Here’s a quick overview of both generations:

The iPhone 17 Camera: New Features and Design

The iPhone 17 may look similar to its predecessor, but one significant change is the redesigned camera bump. Rather than a square bump with diagonal lenses, the base model now features a simple oval on the top left containing two vertical rear cameras. 

Another big improvement comes courtesy of the 18-megapixel front-facing selfie camera, upgraded from 12 MP. Like its predecessor, this means the base iPhone 17 features two rear and one front camera:

• 48 MP Main

• 48 MP Ultrawide

• 18 MP Front selfie

This upgraded selfie lens supports Apple’s Center Stage technology, which keeps you front and center of the frame. It also works with AI for video, automatically adjusting the frame during virtual meetings and FaceTime calls. A square sensor on the front camera means you don’t have to change the phone’s orientation to take landscape or portrait selfies, either. 

We can’t forget about the innovative Dual Capture video mode! Recording with the front and rear cameras simultaneously is a convenient new feature for content creators especially. 

Debuting on the iPhone 15 Pro and quickly reaching the entire iPhone 16 series, the base 17 also keeps the Camera Control button on its right side. This acts like a classic camera shutter, allowing you to quickly adjust the settings with varying touch sensitivity levels.

Finally, Apple has ditched the 128 GB model, meaning the lowest storage option is now 256 GB. Capture and store more photos, without running out of space!

Have the iPhone 17 Pro Models Had Any Camera Upgrades?

Both the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max feature a redesigned rear camera array, housing what Apple calls “the ultimate Pro camera system.”.

This new ‘Camera Plateau’ switches the square camera bump for a long, horizontal camera bar that stretches across the device’s entire width. Three cameras and the flash sit on the left-hand side, while the LiDAR sensor is on the right. It also features the following lenses:

• 48 MP Fusion (Main)

• 48 MP Ultrawide

• 48 MP Telephoto

• 18 MP Front selfie

The 17 Pro’s biggest change is to the Telephoto lens, which has been upgraded from 12 to 48 megapixels. This means all three iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max cameras are now 48 MP!

These models also benefit from the longest Telephoto zoom on an iPhone so far, with a 200mm focal length and a 56% larger sensor for better low light-photos. While the 4x optical zoom may seem like a downgrade from the 5x seen on previous Pro models, Apple claims that the 17 Pro’s camera system can actually achieve an 8x optical-like zoom. Partner this with 40x digital zoom and you should be able to capture some pretty detailed close-ups!

However, these specs still don’t quite match Samsung and Google’s flagship phones, which allow up to 100x zoom thanks to their respective AI camera features.

Other 17 Pro Camera Upgrades

Along with housing the Pro’s triple rear camera system, the Camera Plateau also has some other practical uses. Its shape means the iPhone sits more comfortably on flat surfaces and creates space for larger batteries: 4252 mAh for the Pro and 5088 mAh for the Pro Max.

These battery capacities work alongside vapor chamber cooling technology, which stops your iPhone from overheating during high-intensity activities. Every device should now maintain a consistent performance without draining the battery, which is great for gaming or 4K video shooting.

One new feature that we can’t miss is ProRes Raw, the industry-standard format for cinematic productions. Building on the iPhone 13 Pro’s ProRes video codec, this captures even more information and allows more flexible edit in post-production. ProRes Raw is available through the updated Final Cut Camera app, which can be downloaded directly from the App Store.

Is the iPhone 17 Air Camera Different?

Unlike the iPhone 17’s three-camera setup, pre-launch rumors suggested that the iPhone 17 Air would only feature a single rear camera. These rumors proved to be true, with a 48 MP Main lens designed to support its ultra-thin body, housed on a horizontal camera bar.

At 5.6 mm, this is even slimmer than Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge. The Air keeps a large 6.5-inch screen, but is also 24 grams lighter than the base iPhone 16, and feels much smaller in your hand.

With these changes, however, come some sacrifices. While this camera features a 2x optical zoom like most other iPhones, the 17 Air doesn’t have an ultrawide lens, making it a less versatile choice for photography enthusiasts.

One benefit of choosing the iPhone 17 Air is its upgraded 24-megapixel selfie camera, while the other models are set at 18 MP. It also features Dual Capture, plus a high-density silicone-carbon battery that supports 27 hours of video playback.

Final Thoughts

Despite the base model’s redesigned camera bump, this year’s biggest upgrades are reserved for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models, with all three rear cameras now offering up to 48 MP. 

Many of its software improvements are facilitated by the A19 and A19 Pro chips, which power on-device Apple Intelligence. The Pro models are now using more machine learning than ever before, with AI boosting color accuracy and preserving important photo details.

You’ll have to wait for official sales to open on the September 19 release date for our final verdict (unless you’re one of the lucky pre-sale purchasers!), but we can say for sure that the iPhone 17’s upgraded camera system looks to be Apple’s best yet.