(Image source from: x.com/theapplehub)
Apple's upcoming iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are anticipated to debut later this year, featuring an enhanced 48-megapixel telephoto camera, with further information about its functions now emerging online. Earlier predictions indicated that these Pro models would be the first to incorporate a high-resolution telephoto lens. However, a reliable source claims that Apple is also looking to introduce a new lens that provides significant enhancements compared to last year's iPhone 16 Pro models. According to a post by the informant known as 'Majin Bu', both the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will have a 48-megapixel telephoto camera, equivalent to an 85mm lens at 35mm. In contrast, the earlier iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max were launched with a 12-megapixel telephoto camera featuring a 120mm lens. This change is anticipated to enhance portrait photography on the new devices.
Consequently, the iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to support optical zoom up to 3.5x, which is less than the 5x optical zoom of Apple's current flagship iPhones. Nevertheless, the 48-megapixel telephoto camera will enable users to achieve up to 7x "lossless" digital zoom, utilizing the in-sensor crop zoom implemented by the primary camera of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro. Better portrait photos are not the only advantage anticipated from the new telephoto camera in the iPhone 17 Pro models, as it is expected to perform better in low-light conditions by capturing more light effectively.
Photographers will likely be able to crop images taken with the 48-megapixel telephoto camera without noticeable loss of detail, especially when compared to the lower resolution 12-megapixel telephoto camera found on the iPhone 16 Pro models. However, it's wise to approach these assertions with caution, as Apple is unlikely to provide any confirmation regarding the camera enhancements until the official launch of the iPhone 17 series later this year. Following previous yearly schedules, it is anticipated that the company may reveal its iPhone 17 line in September.
