iOS 17.2 has a special camera upgrade for iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max

iPhone 15 Pro shown in hand
(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

With Apple’s iOS 17.2 update one step closer to launch, we’re finding out more about the new features coming to the iPhone through this software update. And one of them figures to improve the camera performance of both the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max’s camera performance.

Release notes for iOS 17.2 say that the update includes “improved Telephoto camera focusing speed when capturing small faraway objects on iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.” The feature, which Apple hadn’t previously revealed, means the camera will be faster at focusing on objects from afar, making it easier to take high-quality telephoto images.

That’s not the only camera upgrade coming via iOS 17.2. The software update will allow iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max users to record spatial video for use on Apple’s upcoming Apple Vision Pro headset. That won’t mean much now, but with the headset likely to come out in early 2024, it could be an important feature for some users in the near future.

Though iOS 17 came out in September, Apple hasn’t stopped adding to its iPhone software, with October’s iOS 17.1 update bringing bug fixes along with updates to Apple Music and AirPlay.Apple’s iOS 17.2 fixes a range of issues, including wireless charging problems in certain vehicles and other quirks the company and its users have come across in recent weeks.

Apple’s new software will also deliver the launch of Journal, a new built-in iOS app that will allow you to keep a journal from your device. Apple’s Journal includes a host of handy features, including iCloud Sync for saving notes across devices and filters and bookmarks that help you easily find content you’ve previously written about. Journals can be locked using both Touch ID and Face ID, the company confirmed in its release notes.

Other changes in iOS 17.2 include Qi2 wireless charging support for iPhone 14 and iPhone 13 models as well as improved security in Messages. One feature that won’t make the cut is collaborative playlists in Music — Apple has pulled the feature from iOS 17.2 reportedly over concerns about spam and abuse.

A release candidate is in the hands of developers right now, which generally means a full release is imminent. We’d expect the update to land no later than next week. Once it arrives, you’ll just need to go to Settings and tap General -> Software Update to download the update to your iPhone.

More from Tom's Guide

Don Reisinger is CEO and founder of D2 Tech Agency. A communications strategist, consultant, and copywriter, Don has also written for many leading technology and business publications including CNET, Fortune Magazine, The New York Times, Forbes, Computerworld, Digital Trends, TechCrunch and Slashgear. He has also written for Tom's Guide for many years, contributing hundreds of articles on everything from phones to games to streaming and smart home.

Read more
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone 15 Pro Max
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone 15 Pro Max: 7 biggest expected upgrades
The initial splash screen that displays when opening up Apple Visual Intelligence for the first time. It reads "Visual Intelligence with Camera Control - Learn about the objects and places around you and get even more information about what you see. Images from your camera are not stored on iPhone or shared with Apple."
The iPhone 15 Pro is getting one of the best iPhone 16 Pro features for free soon
A render of the iPhone 17 Pro Max
iPhone 17 Pro Max just tipped for major camera upgrades — here's what we know
iPhone 16 Pro Max shown in hand
iPhone 18 Pro could feature these big rumored Apple camera upgrades
Apple iPhone 16 held in the hand.
iPhone 17 tipped for long overdue camera upgrade — what you need to know
Iphone 17 pro max render next to iPhone 16 Pro Max being held in hand
iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro: 5 biggest expected upgrades
Latest in iPhones
Apple maps logo on iPhone screen
I avoided Apple Maps for trip planning — but these iOS 18 features are changing my mind
New emojis with iOS 18.4 beta release.
iOS 18.4 beta brings 8 new emoji to your iPhone — here's all the new options
An image of an iPhone screen showing the Safari app icon in the center
I got tired of Safari revealing my web searches in iOS 18.4 — this setting fixes that
iPhone Flip Concept
Foldable iPhone delays — there’s a bigger problem going on at Apple
iPhone 17 Air render
iPhone 17 Air — new survey could be bad news for Apple's super thin iPhone
Render of the alleged design of the iPhone 17 Pro
New iPhone 17 Pro dummy leak highlights redesigned camera and part glass body
Latest in News
Netflix logo on a TV screen with a remote pointing at it
Netflix rolls out HDR10+ video quality upgrade but not for everyone
OnePlus 13 back, leaning against blue wall
OnePlus 13T could come with an even bigger battery than OnePlus 13 — this is incredible
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Apple Watch Ultra 3 just tipped for two major upgrades
NYTimes Connections
NYT Connections today hints and answers — Tuesday, March 25 (#653)
A nervous woman looking at her phone
Is ChatGPT making us lonely? MIT/OpenAI study reveals possible link
Titus Welliver in Bosch Legacy season 3
‘Bosch’ season 3 preview: 5 things to know before the final season on Prime Video