iPhone 17 Pro models, likely to be unveiled this year, will feature a smaller main camera sensor as compared to the one used in the Fusion camera currently found in iPhone 16 Pro models.
According to Weibo-based leaker Digital Chat Station, Apple will adopt a 1/1.3″ sensor for the 48MP main camera in the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, It is down from the 1/1.28″ sensor used in the iPhone 16 Pro models.
The Chinese leaker’s claim is part of a wider leak allegedly disclosing that both iPhone 17 Pro models will have three 48MP cameras for the first time.
The notation of sensor size originates from an old system, which is used for video camera tubes, where the fraction represents the sensor’s “type” rather than its actual physical dimensions.
In this system, a 1/1.3″ sensor is smaller than a 1/1.28″ sensor. For comparison, the 48MP Fusion camera on the standard iPhone 16 model uses a smaller 1/1.56″ sensor.
However, the difference is minimal as the existing 1/1.28″ sensor is offering a larger surface area than a 1/1.3″ sensor.
Practically, this difference of size is unlikely to result in a noticeable impact on everyday photography.
The shift of Apple 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.
