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Apple Unveils New 8x Optical Zoom for iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max

January 1, 2026

Apple has released a new "Shot on iPhone" ad emphasizing the enhanced zoom capabilities of the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. The advertisement features rapid zoom clips that showcase the devices' photographic prowess, highlighting the 200mm focal length.

The key feature, an 8x optical zoom, provides the longest telephoto reach ever on an iPhone, allowing users to get significantly closer to their subjects. This zoom level is exclusive to the latest Pro models, with previous iPhone 16 Pro models limited to 5x optical zoom.

Features at a Glance

  • 8x optical zoom, exclusive to iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max
  • 200mm focal length for detailed telephoto shots
  • Enhanced zoom capabilities for closer photography

Historical Context

The introduction of the 8x zoom marks a notable upgrade, offering users more flexibility in photography. As of now, there's no mention of Pro models with such zoom features on other flagship smartphones, making this a distinctive feature for the iPhone 17 Pro lineup.


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