iPhone 17 Pro's Camera Captures Stunning Astro Images
Apple's latest iPhone 17 Pro has been making waves in the world of astrophotography, capturing stunning images of celestial bodies with its advanced camera system. Unveiled on September 9, 2025, the device shares the same camera specifications as its counterpart, the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
The iPhone 17 Pro's camera system, produced by Apple and assembled by partners like Foxconn and Pegatron, boasts a 48MP main camera, a 48MP ultrawide shooter, and a new 48MP telephoto lens with 4x optical zoom. This powerful setup allows it to capture sharp images of deep-sky objects like the Pleiades cluster at 1x and 2x zoom, clearly identifying all seven stars.
However, astrophotography presents unique challenges. While the iPhone 17 Pro excels in low light conditions, capturing the Andromeda Galaxy requires specific techniques. At 4x and 8x zoom, the swirling gas around the galaxy's center becomes more apparent, but capturing it as a bright star with a smudgy haze around it requires patience and the right settings.
To achieve the best astrophotography results, users should employ a tripod, set the exposure to its maximum time (up to 30 seconds), and use the timer function to eliminate shake. Despite its capabilities, the iPhone 17 Pro struggles with focusing on the Moon at 1x zoom and Saturn at higher zooms, making clear shots challenging.
The iPhone 17 Pro's camera system, while impressive, has its limitations in astrophotography. While it captures stunning images of deep-sky objects like the Pleiades cluster, capturing galaxies and planets requires careful technique and understanding of the device's capabilities. Apple's production of the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max has once again pushed the boundaries of mobile photography, but users should expect to experiment and adapt to get the best results.
