Since the first iPhone came out in 2007, Apple users have seen a massive upgrade in the iPhone. In the last 16 years, technology has improved, and the iPhone has followed suit. From a 2 MP camera in 2007 to a 48 MP camera in 2023, the technical specifications are here to prove the steady improvements. But, suspicions have risen with the release of the last couple of iPhones. Have we truly seen an improvement in the last three series? Let’s look at the facts.

But before we dive in, let's give tribute to the very first iPhone model with a 2023 unboxing of the 2007 iPhone.

The last four series that we are referring to in this article are, the iPhone 13 (mini not included), iPhone 14, and iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max models and the iPhone 16 Pro/Pro Max. The iPhone SE 3 was introduced on March 18th, 2022 which would technically be considered the last four series, but we won't include it in this breakdown.

The iPhone 13, 14, and 15 models slightly differ when it comes to their resolution, focal length, and aperture. The 14/14 Plus and 15/15 Plus have two cameras, while the Pro/Pro Max models have three. All of the models listed do not have a unique telephoto lens like the Pro and Pro Max models.

The Pro and Pro Max models have three cameras, which include a unique telephoto lens. To be clear, the one camera to two, then three-camera leap did not make its first appearance within this series. The iPhone 7 Plus in 2016 was the first model to have a dual rear camera, and the iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max in 2019 was the first model to introduce three rear cameras.

As the graph shows, the telephoto camera is only available in the Pro and Pro Max iPhone models. This is the camera we want to focus on. The iPhone 15 Pro Max Telephoto 120 mm camera is the best upgrade we have seen in the telephoto camera. Photos taken by the iPhone 15 Pro Max have better highlights. There is an improved image processing that creates proper image exposure and natural color rendering. These features allow photos to look more true to life as shown in the Telephoto shootout below.

It is also key to note that the iPhone 14 Pro/Pro Max was the first to introduce a 48 MP camera. As any photographer, filmmaker, or creator knows, megapixels make a huge difference when it comes to capturing more vivid and detailed shots. This was especially apparent in the upgrade from the iPhone 13 to 14. Now, with the most recent iPhone 17, we’ve seen a major update to the telephoto lens with the new 8x zoom.

The last four iPhone series have made a dramatic shift towards video improvements. The iPhone 13 was the first to introduce Cinematic Mode to Apple users. It allowed for a high-quality depth effect when shooting videos.

This allowed for better video stabilization when shooting action scenes.

This allowed for ProRes video recording up to 4K at 60 fps with external recording, log video recording, and an academy color encoding system.

Updated cooling system for longer shoots, 18 MP for sharper video, and Dual Capture with enhanced video stabilization on the front-facing camera.

Portrait mode was introduced in 2016 with the iPhone 7, which was the first to recognize nine levels of depth and apply blur to create a bokeh effect.

Fast forward to 2023, and the iPhone 15 could recognize when a person or pet was in the frame and automatically switch to Portrait mode. Once the photo was taken, you could even adjust the point of focus afterward. The iPhone 15 Pro also introduced a 120mm telephoto lens compared to the previous 77mm telephoto on the iPhone 14 Pro, enabling a 5x optical zoom with sharper images.

Now, with the iPhone 17, Portrait mode has advanced even further. The new 48 MP telephoto sensor with 8x zoom offers professional-level depth and detail, while improved AI detection makes it easier to capture crisp portraits in low light or with multiple subjects. Combined with upgraded video features, the iPhone 17 solidifies its place as the most versatile iPhone camera system yet.

Taking all the facts into consideration we can say that there has been an improvement. The camera on the iPhone 17 Pro Max has the best quality. As technology advances, some improvements may only be obvious in the finer details. But over time the finer details make all the difference.

What would your ideal camera upgrade in the next iPhone be?

Ever see this note at the end of a "Shot on iPhone" video? No matter the type of camera you use, there is always a need for editing or additional gear to get high quality videos or images. In need of more gear to elevate your iPhone shots? Look no further then SANDMARC.

Watch as we list our top Camera editing Apps on the iPhone.

Our top three to take quality shots.