Comparing Apple Pro Cameras Across Four Generations

Apple's Pro phone models offer different photography tools across four generations, ranging from the iPhone 15 Pro Max up to the iPhone 18 Pro.

iPhone 18 Pro

The iPhone 18 Pro comes with three 48-megapixel rear cameras for the main, ultra-wide and telephoto lenses. Its main camera features a variable aperture that can adjust between f/1.48, f/1.8, f/2.8 and f/4.0 to control light levels. The device also supports 4x optical zoom, 8x optical-quality zoom and 48MP macro photography. Pro controls let users change aperture, shutter speed and white balance.

iPhone 17 Pro

The iPhone 17 Pro model introduced 48MP sensors across all three rear lenses. It offers 4x optical zoom, 8x optical-quality zoom, macro options, Night mode and Apple ProRAW. This generation also brought Dual Capture for recording from front and rear cameras at once, plus 4K Dolby Vision video at 120 frames per second. DXOMARK testing notes strong video, exposure and colour reproduction, though some image noise can show up indoors or in low light.

iPhone 16 Pro and 15 Pro Max

The iPhone 16 Pro features a 48MP main camera, a 48MP ultra-wide camera and a 12MP telephoto camera with a dedicated 5x optical zoom. It includes a Camera Control button and 48MP macro photography. Meanwhile, the older iPhone 15 Pro Max includes a 48MP main camera alongside 12MP ultra-wide and 12MP telephoto lenses. It uses a tetraprism design for 5x optical zoom, but its lower-resolution secondary lenses make it less flexible than newer options.

Context

Apple releases new iPhone generations annually, steadily upgrading sensor sizes, lens configurations and software processing to improve mobile photography. DXOMARK is an independent lab that tests and benchmarks smartphone cameras and audio systems. ProRAW and Dolby Vision are proprietary formats designed to give creators higher fidelity and editing flexibility.