An Unexpected Step Back: What Older iPhones Can Do That the iPhone 17 Pro Can’t

When users buy a new smartphone, especially one labeled “Pro,” they naturally assume they are getting the most advanced technology available. While software updates help keep older devices relevant, the most exciting features are usually reserved for the latest models. With the iPhone 17 Pro, however, Apple appears to have broken this long-standing expectation.

Recent user complaints and technical findings reveal that a key camera capability present in older iPhone Pro models is missing from the iPhone 17 Pro lineup. According to an investigation by TechRadar based on growing discussions on Reddit and Apple’s own forums, the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max cannot use Night Mode and Portrait Mode simultaneously. This comes as a surprise, as the combination has been a defining strength of Apple’s camera system for several generations.

One of the first users to raise the issue, Reddit member “catalyticclover,” described the disappointment clearly. Nighttime portrait photos, according to the user, fail to match the quality achieved by earlier iPhone models, creating a sense of regression rather than progress. For users who frequently capture artistic portraits in low-light conditions, this limitation is particularly frustrating.

These claims are not based solely on user impressions. Apple’s own support documentation appears to confirm the situation. As reported by MacWorld, Apple maintains a list of devices that support the simultaneous use of Night Mode and Portrait Mode. While the list includes models ranging from the iPhone 12 Pro to the iPhone 16 Pro Max, the newest iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are notably absent.

The significance of this omission lies in how important the feature combination is for mobile photography enthusiasts. Portrait Mode isolates the subject by blurring the background, while Night Mode uses longer exposure to capture more light in dark environments. Together, they enabled users to take striking, professional-looking photos in low-light scenes. Losing this capability means fewer creative options, particularly for evening and nighttime photography.

Apple has yet to explain why this feature is disabled on its latest flagship devices. It remains unclear whether the decision is driven by hardware limitations or a software choice. Regardless of the reason, the outcome is the same: in at least one aspect, the iPhone 17 Pro appears less capable than its predecessors.

That said, the iPhone 17 Pro still boasts a highly advanced camera system overall. Compared to the iPhone 16 Pro series, it introduces meaningful upgrades, including 48-megapixel resolution across all three rear lenses. On the front-facing side, Apple has introduced a notable innovation, allowing users to capture selfies and videos in both portrait and landscape orientations without rotating the phone.

Even so, the absence of a feature that older iPhones handled with ease raises valid questions about Apple’s priorities and whether the “Pro” label still guarantees an all-around upgrade for demanding users.