Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max models are shaping up to bring notable upgrades to the photography game, especially in the telephoto department. If the latest leaks are to be believed, Apple might be saying goodbye to the 12-megapixel telephoto sensor found on current models in favor of a new 48-megapixel camera setup. Here’s a closer look at what this change could mean and how it compares to previous generations.
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Telephoto
According to a post from tipster Majin Bu, the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max will introduce a new 48-megapixel telephoto camera. That alone is a big jump from the 12-megapixel lens used in the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max. But it’s not just about more megapixels — the lens will reportedly be a 35mm equivalent of 85mm, which could significantly improve portrait photography.
The older 12MP telephoto camera featured a 120mm lens, designed more for zoom than portraits. With the shift to an 85mm lens, Apple seems to be prioritizing depth and background compression — traits that make portrait shots more flattering and professional-looking.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison:
| Model | Telephoto Resolution | Lens Equivalent | Optical Zoom | Lossless Digital Zoom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 16 Pro | 12MP | 120mm | 5x | Up to 5x |
| iPhone 17 Pro | 48MP | 85mm | 3.5x | Up to 7x |
Zoom
While the iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to offer slightly lower optical zoom — 3.5x compared to 5x on the iPhone 16 Pro — this trade-off may actually be beneficial in certain scenarios. Thanks to the new sensor, the phone could deliver up to 7x of what Apple calls “lossless” digital zoom.
This is likely based on in-sensor crop technology, similar to what we’ve seen in the primary camera system of the iPhone 16 Pro. By cropping from the center of a high-resolution sensor, Apple can simulate zoom without noticeable quality loss.
Low-light
The larger and more advanced sensor isn’t just about zoom or detail — it’s also expected to perform better in low-light conditions. The 48MP sensor should be able to capture more light, especially at lower zoom levels, making it more suitable for night shots or indoor photography. That’s a win for users who shoot in challenging lighting without relying heavily on flash.
Detail
Photographers will likely appreciate the improved cropping flexibility. With a higher-resolution sensor, there’s more room to zoom or crop without losing sharpness. That’s especially useful for social media, where users often crop images after capture to focus on subjects or remove distractions.
While Apple hasn’t officially confirmed any of these details, the rumors align with the company’s pattern of gradually increasing camera capabilities across Pro models each year. And considering the massive leap from 12MP to 48MP in the main camera in past models, this feels like the next logical step.
Of course, all of this should be taken with caution. Apple tends to keep its cards close to its chest, and official specs won’t be confirmed until the iPhone 17 lineup is unveiled — likely in September, based on the company’s usual launch timeline.
Still, if you’re into photography or just love snapping sharp, detailed pics with your phone, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max could be worth the wait. A better portrait lens, better low-light performance, and higher zoom flexibility? That’s a solid upgrade for everyday users and mobile photographers alike.
FAQs
What is the telephoto resolution in iPhone 17 Pro?
It’s expected to be 48 megapixels.
What is the optical zoom level?
Up to 3.5x optical zoom is expected.
Will iPhone 17 Pro offer better low-light shots?
Yes, thanks to the larger 48MP sensor.
What zoom method allows 7x clarity?
It uses in-sensor cropping for lossless digital zoom.
When will iPhone 17 Pro launch?
Expected in September this year.
