The 8K video recording feature has been around for what feels like ages on Android smartphones, but it’s more or less a gimmick, and people often prefer 4K 60 FPS recording above all else, especially if they are flagship users. Apple might be stepping up this year to put the 8K video recording back in the spotlight with the Apple iPhone 17 series.
iPhones so far have been capped to 4K video quality when these devices certainly have the power to push beyond this limit. Fortunately, a reliable leaker brings good news in his latest findings about the iPhone 17 lineup. Focal Digital says on Weibo that you should wait for the next iPhone series if you want ultra-high-res videos.
Current base models, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, have 4K 60 FPS recording options available across both the main and Ultrawide lenses. The 16 Pro and Pro Max also have 4K, but they can record at up to 120 FPS, and all three lenses seamlessly transition between wide, ultrawide, and telephoto shooters while recording.
Apple wants to perfect the iPhone user experience above everything else, so they decided to avoid the gimmicky 8K feature since it can’t be used for seamless transition between lenses (the limiting factor being its 12 MP telephoto). iPhone 17 series, or at least the Pro siblings, might get an upgraded sensor for the telephoto lens, which could finally open the doorway to 8K video recording on iPhones. Meanwhile, the latest iPhone price remains a key factor for buyers considering an upgrade.
This feature never took off with Android flagships, but Apple has a reputation for adding new features with finesse and perfection, and the iPhone 17 lineup could make the 8K video recording useful again. The company often receives criticism for introducing innovative features late to its devices, but Apple always catches up with Android eventually.
The specifics of this feature remain unknown for now. We have seen Android devices do 8K with at least 24 FPS, and some phones can push it to 8K with 30 FPS as well. Apple’s iPhone 17 lineup is still months away and hopefully, more details will appear before launch. Stay tuned if you don’t want to miss any updates on the topic.
