Apple’s latest iOS update, version 17.2, includes some major camera enhancements specifically for the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models. These upgrades promise to take the already stellar photography capabilities of the highest-end iPhones even further.
Faster Telephoto Focusing
One of the most notable camera improvements in iOS 17.2 is faster focusing speeds when using the telephoto lens to capture distant subjects on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max.
Apple’s release notes state that the update provides “improved Telephoto camera focusing speed when capturing small faraway objects on iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max”. This allows the 3x telephoto camera on the 15 Pro and 5x periscope telephoto camera on the 15 Pro Max to achieve quicker and more precise focus on faraway scenes.
The faster telephoto focusing should result in a much more responsive camera experience when zooming in on distant objects. This makes it easier to capture clear, properly focused shots of small details in the landscape or candid moments from afar.
Spatial Video Recording
Another major camera enhancement arriving in iOS 17.2 is spatial video recording optimized for Apple’s upcoming Vision Pro mixed reality headset.
On iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max devices, users can now capture video with 3D effects that will be viewable on the Vision Pro headset when it launches next year. This spatial video functionality produces footage enhanced with depth and dimension for a truly immersive viewing experience in the Vision Pro.
To enable spatial video, head to Settings => Camera => Formats and turn on “Spatial video for Apple Vision Pro”. Then in the Camera app’s video mode, tap the Apple Vision Pro icon to begin recording spatial video.
Additional Camera Improvements
Beyond the telephoto focusing and spatial video features, iOS 17.2 also introduces a few more refinements for the iPhone camera:
- Translate Action Button – The Translate app can now be set as one of the main mappings for the Action button on iPhone 15 Pro models, allowing for quick phrase translations or conversations.
- Enhanced Portrait Mode – Portrait mode photos taken in low light situations should have improved sharpness and brightness.
While the telephoto and spatial video upgrades are 15 Pro/Max exclusives, the Translate action and Portrait mode enhancements apply to other iPhone models as well.
Final Words
The camera has always been one of the standout features of the iPhone, and iOS 17.2 demonstrates Apple’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of mobile photography even further.
With faster telephoto focusing, spatial video recording, and other enhancements, this update takes the already phenomenal triple and quad camera systems on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max into new territory.
Any iPhone user who takes their photography seriously will want to install iOS 17.2 to take advantage of these major camera upgrades. The new functionality cements the latest Pro iPhones as some of the most versatile and advanced pocket cameras ever conceived.