Here’s how to use the full 48MP iPhone 15 camera

With the launch of the iPhone 15 series, Apple stopped using different main camera systems on its standard and Pro model iPhones. While the standard iPhone 14 got a 12MP main camera, and the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max were equipped with a 48MP main shooter, the base iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, and the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, all use the same 48MP sensor for their main camera.

However, the iPhone 15 series’ primary camera shoots 24MP images by default. Apple does this to save space, similar to pixel-binning seen on Android smartphones with high-resolution sensors for years now. For most situations, the default 24MP images should suffice. However, there may be times when you would want to take advantage of the full 48MP sensor. And we’re here to tell you how to do it. Read on.

iPhone 15 series: Leap to the 48MP camera

The first iPhones from Apple to feature the 48MP camera were the iPhone 14 Pro and the iPhone 14 Pro Max, launched in 2022. The same year, Apple launched the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus with the older 12MP main cameras. Last year though, Apple decided to bring that 48MP sensor to the complete lineup. Does that mean there is no difference between the iPhone 15 and the iPhone 15 Pro though? Well, not exactly.

ALSO READ: iPhone 15 models compared: iPhone 15 vs iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro Max 

The 48MP main camera on the iPhone 15 Pro models can shoot ProRAW while the iPhone 15 models support a new HEIF Max 48MP mode. This new HEIF Max 48MP mode enables capturing high-resolution images at a file size smaller than 5MB. Once you enable the full 48MP mode on your iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, then you will be able to take full advantage of the sensor and capture details that allows for flexible editing.

How to use the 48MP iPhone 15 camera

Now that you know when Apple first brought a 48MP sensor to its iPhone lineup and the primary differences between 48MP camera sensors on the iPhone 15 and the iPhone 15 Pro, let’s take a look at how to use the same. This works for the entire line up, including the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max, and even the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max.

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone. 

Step 2: Scroll down and click on ‘Camera.’ 

Step 3: Tap on ‘Formats.’ 

Step 4: Click on the toggle next to ‘Resolution Control.’ 

On the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, the option should show up as ‘Resolution Control’ while on iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max, this will show as ProRAW & Resolution Control. 

Step 5: On the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro, you can choose the default format after you turn on ProRAW & Resolution Control. Tap Pro Default and choose HEIF Max (up to 48MP) or ProRAW Max (up to 48MP). 

Step 6: Now, open the Camera app on your iPhone 15 and ensure that HEIF Max or RAW Max shows in the corner and is not crossed out. 

To shoot in full 48MP mode, remember to use the default 1x focal length. If you switch the focal length, the camera will default to 12MP. 

Step 7: You can touch and hold the toggle to select a different format. 

ALSO READ: Apple iPhone 15 vs iPhone 14 series: An in-depth comparison

Apple mentions that a HEIF Max image at 48MP will be around 5MB and the Pro iPhone users will see file sizes up to 75MB while shooting ProRAW at 48MP. It is important to understand that the default photo mode at 24MP is enough for most of us, but there are times when you see a breathtaking view and you want to capture it with full sensor readout. The 48MP mode will come in handy in situations like this.