iPhone 17 Pro Lost a Camera Feature Pro Models Have Had Since 2020

The latest iteration of Apple's flagship device, the iPhone 17 Pro, has been found to be missing a camera feature that has been a staple of Pro models since the release of the iPhone 12 Pro in 2020. Specifically, the iPhone 17 Pro is unable to take photos in Night mode when Portrait mode is selected in the Camera app. This capability has been a distinguishing feature of Apple's Pro devices for several years, allowing users to capture high-quality portraits in low-light environments.

To test this limitation, iPhone 17 Pro or iPhone 17 Pro Max owners can try the following: Open the Camera app and select Photo mode, then cover the rear lenses with their hand to simulate a low-light environment. The Night mode crescent moon symbol should appear in the top-right corner of the screen, indicating that the feature is available. If the user then selects Portrait mode and repeats the low-light simulation, they will find that the Night mode symbol is no longer present, and the feature is not available in the options panel.

In contrast, owners of iPhone 16 Pro and other recent Pro models will not experience this limitation when performing the same test. The Night mode feature will remain available in Portrait mode, allowing users to capture high-quality portraits in low-light environments. According to Apple's own iOS 26 iPhone User Guide, the ability to take portraits with Night mode engaged is limited to specific models, including the iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro, among others.

The omission of Night mode in Portrait mode on the iPhone 17 Pro has been noticed by users on Reddit and Apple's own discussion forums for at least a couple of months. However, the change appears to have gone largely unnoticed by the wider public, despite being referenced in a DXOMARK Camera test conducted in September. The lack of Night mode in Portrait mode is puzzling, given that the iPhone 17 Pro's camera hardware should be capable of combining the two modes.

One possible explanation for the limitation is that photos taken with Night mode are limited to 12 megapixels, whereas Portrait photos can be captured at 24 megapixels. This discrepancy may have led Apple to disable Night mode in Portrait mode on the iPhone 17 Pro, although the company has not officially commented on the matter. Despite the lack of an official explanation, the omission of Night mode in Portrait mode on the iPhone 17 Pro is a notable departure from the features and capabilities of previous Pro models.

The camera system on the iPhone 17 Pro is one of its most highly touted features, with a quad-camera setup that includes a wide-angle lens, a telephoto lens, and an ultra-wide lens. The device is also equipped with advanced camera software, including features like Deep Fusion and Smart HDR. However, the lack of Night mode in Portrait mode may be a disappointment for some users, particularly those who have grown accustomed to the feature on previous Pro models.

In terms of the impact on users, the omission of Night mode in Portrait mode on the iPhone 17 Pro may not be significant for casual photographers. However, for those who regularly take portraits in low-light environments, the lack of Night mode may be a notable limitation. Portrait mode is designed to capture high-quality images of people, and Night mode is an essential feature for achieving good results in low-light conditions. Without Night mode, users may need to rely on other features, such as the flash or external lighting, to capture well-lit portraits.

The decision to disable Night mode in Portrait mode on the iPhone 17 Pro may also have implications for the device's overall camera performance. While the iPhone 17 Pro's camera system is highly regarded, the lack of Night mode in Portrait mode may affect its ability to capture high-quality images in certain situations. This, in turn, may impact the device's overall ranking in camera comparisons and reviews.

In conclusion, the iPhone 17 Pro's inability to take photos in Night mode when Portrait mode is selected is a notable omission, particularly given that this feature has been available on Pro models since the iPhone 12 Pro. While the reason for this limitation is unclear, it may be related to the discrepancy between the resolution of Night mode photos and Portrait photos. Regardless of the explanation, the lack of Night mode in Portrait mode on the iPhone 17 Pro may be a disappointment for some users, particularly those who value the ability to capture high-quality portraits in low-light environments. As the camera system is a critical component of any smartphone, the omission of this feature may have significant implications for the device's overall performance and reputation.