The Galaxy S23 Ultra was Samsung's last flagship phone to feature a 10x telephoto camera. It has been replaced with a 5x sensor, and many are still not over long-range lenses that let them take incredible photos at a distance. While the Galaxy S26 Ultra is unlikely to fill that void, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro might step up to the plate, according to a new rumor.
An anonymous source has tipped MacRumors off about several iPhone 17 Pro specs. The leaker seems to know about an ad being shot for the iPhone 17 Pro by the Slovenian company Division Film. While Division Film does indeed list Apple as one of its clients, MacRumors didn't independently verify the claim.
The leaker claims that the iPhone 17 Pro will flaunt a new telephoto lens with up to 8x optical zoom, up from 5x on the iPhone 16 Pro. The lens will apparently have a moving element, which will allow for continuous optical zoom at various focal lengths.
The iPhone 17 Pro may copy Sony Xperia's continuous optical zoom feature. | Image Credit - Sony Xperia"
The tipster also says that the iPhone 17 Pro will come with an all-new pro camera app for both images and videos. It will rival the likes of Halide, Kino, and Filmic Pro, all of which offer a professional experience. There's also a chance that Apple will overhaul its Final Cut Camera app instead of building a new app.
It's not known whether the new (or updated) app is going to be exclusive to the Pro models.
Would the iPhone 17 Pro's 8x zoom tempt Samsung and Sony users to ditch their phones?
Never!
17.31%
I already fear for Samsung and Sony.
34.62%
A single feature isn't enough to flip loyalties.
48.08%
Lastly, they also assert that the iPhone 17 Pro will have another Camera Control button on the top edge to make it easier for users to access the camera.
The leaker also corroborated some earlier rumors, such as a new copper-ish shade for the iPhone 17 Pro and a repositioned Apple logo.
Thus, it does seem plausible that Apple will double down on the camera-centric changes by introducing a higher-zoom range. This could also help it win over Samsung users who don't find a 5x telephoto camera good enough for far-away subjects. Since it will be a moving lens, users probably won't miss out on a lower zoom level as the device should be able to optically handle two zoom ranges. This is a trick that Sony's top smartphones also employ.
Not only will Apple be going after standalone camera users with this move, but it will also be courting Samsung and Sony users by launching the feature.
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Anam Hamid is a computer scientist turned tech journalist who has a keen interest in the tech world, with a particular focus on smartphones and tablets. She has previously written for Android Headlines and has also been a ghostwriter for several tech and car publications. Anam is not a tech hoarder and believes in using her gadgets for as long as possible. She is concerned about smartphone addiction and its impact on future generations, but she also appreciates the convenience that phones have brought into our lives. Anam is excited about technological advancements like folding screens and under-display sensors, and she often wonders about the future of technology. She values the overall experience of a device more than its individual specs and admires companies that deliver durable, high-quality products. In her free time, Anam enjoys reading, scrolling through Reddit and Instagram, and occasionally refreshing her programming skills through tutorials.
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