When Apple unveiled the iPhone 17 series on September 9, 2025, one feature stole the spotlight: the 18MP “Center Stage” front camera with a square sensor. It might sound like a nerdy detail, but this innovation could redefine how we take selfies and videos.
Available on the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, this camera makes snapping group selfies or recording FaceTime calls effortless—no awkward phone tilting required. Here’s why this feature is a bigger deal than you might think and how it keeps you hooked on Apple’s ecosystem.
What Makes the Square Selfie Camera Special?
The iPhone 17’s Center Stage camera uses a square 18MP sensor, unlike the rectangular ones in older iPhones. This design lets you take landscape selfies without rotating your phone. Whether you’re squeezing a big group into the frame or capturing a scenic background, the camera’s AI-powered auto-framing zooms out to fit everyone in. It’s so practical, other phone makers might scramble to copy it.
Apple says its users took 500 billion selfies last year. With this new camera, expect that number to climb. It’s not just about convenience—it’s about making every moment easier to capture, from family gatherings to solo adventures.
A Brief History of Selfies
Selfies weren’t always a thing. Back in 2010, the iPhone 4 and HTC Evo 4G introduced modern front-facing cameras, kicking off the selfie craze. Earlier phones in Japan and Europe had low-quality selfie cams, and even the Game Boy Camera in 1998 dabbled in self-portraits. But it was the iPhone’s fast networks and FaceTime that made selfies and video chats mainstream. Fun fact: we had to wait until the iPhone 5 in 2012 for LTE to make FaceTime truly smooth.
Today, selfies are universal—everyone from grandparents to sports fans loves them. They’re intimate, capturing not just a place but you in the moment with the people who matter.
How the Square Sensor Changes Selfies and Videos
The square sensor’s biggest win is flexibility. Hold your iPhone vertically, tap a button, and boom—your selfie switches to landscape mode. Center Stage’s AI tracks faces, automatically zooming out if someone joins or moves closer. No more cutting friends out of group shots or wrestling with your phone’s orientation.
For FaceTime, Center Stage keeps you centered, even if you’re moving, and stabilizes the image to reduce shakiness. It also fixes those annoying black borders when someone’s phone is tilted wrong during a call—no more yelling, “Flip your phone, Mom!”
Key Features of the iPhone 17 Center Stage Camera
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 18MP |
| Sensor Type | Square |
| Auto-Framing | Zooms to fit groups or landscapes |
| Video Enhancements | Centers and stabilizes FaceTime calls |
| Dual Capture | Records front and rear cameras simultaneously |
Dual Capture: A New Way to Vlog
The iPhone 17 introduces “Dual Capture,” letting you record with front and rear cameras at the same time. Samsung and Nokia tried similar features (remember #bothie?), but they never caught on. TikTok’s dual-camera streaming shows there’s demand, and Apple’s Center Stage makes it seamless by keeping you perfectly framed in front-facing shots. This lets you focus on nailing the rear camera’s footage—perfect for vloggers or TikTok creators.
Why This Keeps You in Apple’s Ecosystem
The square sensor isn’t just a cool trick—it’s a loyalty play. Easier selfies mean more photos, which means needing more iPhone storage or iCloud space. Switching to Android? You’d lose your Apple Photos library and face clunky landscape selfies. This feature subtly ties you to Apple’s ecosystem, making it harder to jump ship.
While a higher-resolution sensor would be nice, the square design’s practicality is the real star. It’s a thoughtful rethink of a simple act—taking a selfie—that could set a new standard.
iPhone 17 Series Availability
Pre-orders for the iPhone 17 series began today, September 12, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. IST, with availability from September 19. Starting prices in India are ₹82,900 (iPhone 17), ₹1,19,900 (iPhone 17 Air), ₹1,34,900 (iPhone 17 Pro), and ₹1,49,900 (iPhone 17 Pro Max).
FAQs About iPhone 17’s Square Selfie Camera
What is the square selfie camera on iPhone 17?
It’s an 18MP front camera with a square sensor, enabling landscape selfies and auto-framing via Center Stage without rotating the phone.
How does Center Stage improve selfies?
Center Stage uses AI to zoom out for group shots or landscapes and keeps subjects centered during FaceTime calls or videos.
Which iPhone 17 models have the square camera?
All models—iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max—feature the 18MP Center Stage camera.
What is Dual Capture on iPhone 17?
Dual Capture records video with front and rear cameras simultaneously, with Center Stage ensuring perfect front-facing framing.
When can I buy the iPhone 17 series?
Pre-orders started on September 12, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. IST, with availability from September 19, 2025.