The iPhone 16 Pro’s cameras are impressive, but let’s face it—they’re not perfect. As a photographer and tech enthusiast, I’ve spent months testing the iPhone 16 Pro, and while it’s a solid performer, Apple needs to step up its game with the iPhone 17 cameras. Here’s my wishlist for 2025’s must-have upgrades that could make the iPhone 17 the ultimate camera phone.
1. Go Big or Go Home: A Larger Image Sensor
The iPhone 16 Pro’s main sensor is good, but it’s time for Apple to think bigger. Xiaomi’s 14 Ultra already boasts a 1-inch sensor—the size of a thumbnail—and it’s a game-changer.
Why Bigger Sensors Matter
- Better Low-Light Performance: Larger sensors capture more light, turning dim concert shots into crisp, detailed photos. Imagine snapping a perfect shot of Taylor Swift under stage lights without the noise.
- Improved Dynamic Range: Say goodbye to blown-out skies and shadowy faces. A bigger sensor ensures balanced exposure in tricky lighting.
Dream Scenario: Apple adopts a 1-inch sensor for the iPhone 17. Pipe dream? A full-frame sensor—but that’d make the iPhone thicker than a ’90s Nokia.
2. Variable Aperture: Let There Be (Controlled) Light
Xiaomi’s 14 Ultra lets you adjust aperture like a pro DSLR, while the iPhone 16 Pro is stuck at f/1.78.
What Variable Aperture Offers
- Wide Open (f/1.6): Perfect for dim bars or golden-hour portraits with creamy bokeh.
- Narrow (f/4): Create starbursts on city lights—no Photoshop needed.
Why It Matters: Night photos look cinematic, not like glowing blobs.
3. Photographic Styles: Give Us More Flavor
Apple’s new Amber and Gold styles add warmth, and Quiet gives a retro fade. But where’s the Kodak Portra vibe? The Fujifilm nostalgia?
What’s Missing
- Film Presets: Mimic classic stocks like Kodak Ektachrome or Ilford B&W.
- Editable RAW: Apply styles to ProRAW photos after shooting.
Pro Tip: Let us tweak styles mid-edit. Regret that sepia filter? Undo it.
4. Fix ProRAW + Photographic Styles
Right now, Photographic Styles only work with HEIF files. ProRAW? Nada.
The Problem
Pros love ProRAW for editing flexibility, but miss Apple’s styles.
The Fix
Merge them. Shoot in ProRAW with Amber tones, then tweak shadows later.
5. LUTs for ProRes Video: No More Boring Footage
ProRes video on the iPhone 16 Pro looks flat and gray—great for editors, terrible for Instagram.
What LUTs Can Do
- Pre-made Color Presets: Transform drab clips into moody masterpieces.
- On-Device Magic: Apply “Horror Blue” or “Summer Gold” filters before sharing.
Bonus: Let creators design/share custom LUTs. Apple, take notes from TikTok.
The Ultimate iPhone 17 Camera
If Apple nails these upgrades, the iPhone 17 could be a photography powerhouse:
- Low-light king with a 1-inch sensor.
- Creative control with adjustable apertures and film-like presets.
- Pro video chops that even influencers will love.
FAQs
“Will the iPhone 17 be thicker?”
Probably not. Apple’s obsessed with slim designs—expect clever engineering over bulk.
“Can I use Photographic Styles on old photos?”
Not yet. But with ProRAW integration, maybe!
“When’s the iPhone 17 launch?”
Likely September 2025. Start saving now.
Bottom Line: The iPhone 16 Pro is great, but the iPhone 17 cameras need to wow. With bolder sensors, smarter software, and pro-friendly tools, Apple could redefine mobile photography—again.
For more tech deep dives, check out our iPhone camera comparison guide.