Apple continues to prepare major changes for the iPhone 17 Pro, and while multiple improvements have already been leaked, the latest information points directly to its telephoto camera, with a change that will generate a lot of buzz, and not for the better. We’ll tell you everything you need to know in this article.
According to leaker Majin Buu, the iPhone 17 Pro models will not only receive a higher-resolution sensor, but will also reduce the current optical zoom, a decision that is generating controversy among the brand’s followers.
Apple reduces the optical zoom of the iPhone 17 camera
So far, the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max have incorporated a 12-megapixel telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, one of the most notable features of the current generation. However, the iPhone 17 Pro could take a step back in this regard, replacing the 12 MP lens with a new 48-megapixel lens with only 3.5x optical zoom. Although at first it may seem like a reduction in camera capabilities, Apple’s strategy would be to take advantage of the increased resolution to perform a digital crop that exceeds 5x zoom without losing quality. This way, we shouldn’t notice the difference.
This technique has already been used in the main cameras of the latest iPhones, which, thanks to their 48 MP sensors, can offer a 2x digital zoom without compromising the image. With this new telephoto lens, Apple could apply a digital zoom of up to 7x without compromising photo quality, offering greater versatility when taking long-distance photos.
Beyond the zoom, this decision could also be a response to an improvement in the portrait photography experience. Currently, the 5x lens on the iPhone 16 Pro forces users to stand quite far away from their subject to get a good frame in portrait mode. With a 3.5x zoom, this process would be more natural and practical, avoiding the need to constantly search for the sweet spot for the software to blur correctly.
48 megapixel camera?
However, not everyone is convinced that this change is a real improvement, as Apple could keep the 5x optical zoom and combine it with a powerful 10x digital zoom, similar to what Samsung does with the Galaxy S25 Ultra. In fact, Samsung made a similar decision by switching from a 10x periscope lens to a 5x one with a 50-megapixel sensor, thus allowing for a greater hybrid zoom range.
Along with this possible modification to the telephoto lens, all new-generation models are expected to incorporate a 24-megapixel front camera, which would be a big jump from the current 12 MP. In addition, the Pro models could be the first in iPhone history to record 8K video, bringing them closer to the performance of professional cameras.
Apple will officially reveal the iPhone 17 in September, so there’s still time for these specs to change or be confirmed. As always with leaks, they should be taken with a grain of salt, especially since Majin Buu’s track record isn’t entirely good. However, if these changes are confirmed, we’d be looking at one of the most interesting iPhone photography overhauls in recent years.
