At Apple’s September 2025 launch event, the introduction of four new iPhone models—including the iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max—delivered a noteworthy enhancement to the front-camera system. All models now feature an innovative 18-megapixel Center Stage selfie camera. While the number of megapixels isn’t the sole indicator of camera quality, improvements that enhance user experience certainly matter. The Center Stage camera facilitates varied selfie styles without the need for rotating the device.

In a significant design shift, the conventional 4:3 aspect sensor has been replaced with a square sensor for the front-facing camera. This new approach marks a first for iPhones, promising higher resolution and a broader field of view. With this configuration, users can capture photos and videos while holding their iPhones in either portrait or landscape orientation—no adjustments required. Apple has stated that photographers can enjoy four unique composition styles, making this feature highly versatile.

Credit: Apple

During the introduction of the iPhone 17, a pre-recorded demonstration showcased a group capturing selfies with the Center Stage camera. The initial shot featured one individual, followed by others stepping into the frame seamlessly. The demo illustrated how the Camera app autonomously identified faces and adjusted the frame size, suggesting a streamlined approach to taking group selfies.

You May Also Like

Taking group selfies has often been a challenge, particularly when managing the weight of the Pro Max model in landscape mode. The new iPhone 17 series aims to address this by allowing users to capture pictures in landscape orientation while holding their phones more comfortably in portrait mode.