The Chinese leaker claims that Apple will adopt a 1/1.3″ sensor for the 48MP main camera in the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, down from the 1/1.28″ sensor used in the iPhone 16 Pro models. The claim is part of a wider leak alleged revealing that both iPhone 17 Pro models will have three 48MP cameras for the first time.
The difference in sensor size is minimal, with the existing 1/1.28-inch sensor offering a marginally larger surface area, which can enhance light capture and potentially improve image quality, especially in low-light conditions. In practical terms, this size difference is unlikely to result in a noticeable impact on everyday photography. Apple’s shift to using a smaller main camera could represent a worthwhile trade-off, with potential advancements elsewhere in the camera system to maintain or enhance overall performance.
If the downgrade is true, Apple’s shift from 1/1.28″ to 1/1.3″ could be due to space constraints caused by the rumored new camera bump design. As part of a return to using aluminum, Apple is believed to be using a larger “rectangular” camera bump on the iPhone 17 Pro models that is made from aluminum rather than glass.
Supply chain leaks have backed up a report by The Information about a camera design change. Leaks coming out of China suggest that the module is an “elongated oval shape,” rather than a rectangular shape, with a smoother transition between the camera bump and the rear cover. The iPhone 17 series is expected to arrive around the usual mid-September time frame.
This article, “iPhone 17 Pro Main Camera Sensor ‘Smaller’ Than iPhone 16 Pro Sensor” first appeared on MacRumors.com
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