The iPhone 17 Pro camera system
HOW IT WORKS
Get up to speed with Apple’s most powerful camera setup yet!
ON TEST
Read our review of the iPhone 17 Pro on p86
YOU WILL LEARN
How Apple has improved its camera system in the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max
The Photonic Engine uses machine learning to combine 48MP and 12MP frames, resulting in a 24MP photo with fine detail, reduced noise and great low-light performance.
Image credit: Apple Inc
he 2025 release of the iPhone 17 and Air sees significant T improvements to the camera system. And all models in Apple’s latest line-up benefit, from the entry-level 17, super-thin Air and powerful 17 Pro, to the flagship 17 Pro Max. We’re referencing the iPhone 17 Pro here, but the 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max both offer the most advanced set of hardware and software improvements.
Compared to the iPhone 16 Pro’s single Fusion Main camera, the iPhone 17 Pro has three – Fusion Main, Fusion Ultra Wide, and Fusion Telephoto. The Fusion camera system uses the 17 Pro’s Photonic Engine to combine a 48MP frame with a 12MP frame optimised for light capture. This results in a 24MP photo with incredible detail, amazing low-light performance, and an optimal file size for storage and sharing. This technology allows photographers to capture high-resolution 48MP (megapixel) photos or default 24MP images from all three of the cameras.