IPhone 17 redefines selfies with AI-enhanced front camera and smart framing

Apple has officially unveiled the iPhone 17, and while the design changes are subtle, what is happening beneath the surface, particularly in the front-facing camera, marks a significant leap forward in mobile imaging.

The new AI-enhanced selfie camera, which is powered by Apple’s upgraded Neural Engine, is designed not just for better pictures, but for a deeper, smarter interaction with the user.

It introduces a real-time facial optimisation, depth-aware lighting adjustments, and adaptive skin-tone rendering, promising more natural, studio-quality selfies, even in challenging lighting.

The camera also features smart auto-framing, allowing users to take wide, landscape-style group selfies while holding the phone vertically, with the field of view expanding automatically depending on the number of faces detected in the frame.

What’s new in the iPhone 17 selfie camera?

• Upgraded 12MP ultra retina sensor with better low-light sensitivity
• AI-driven scene understanding, which adjusts exposure, shadows, and highlights automatically based on skin tone and environment
• New smart framing, using face-tracking and motion prediction to keep you centred in frame during selfies or video calls
• Auto retouch settings, which subtly reduce blemishes and enhance features, but without the artificial "plastic" look of previous beauty filters
• Dynamic bokeh control for portrait selfies, letting users adjust background blur after the shot is taken

“This isn’t just a camera upgrade, it’s a shift in how the iPhone understands and interacts with your face,” said Erin Kim, a senior engineer at Apple, during the keynote event. “We’ve trained our algorithms on a wider range of faces, skin tones, and real-world lighting conditions than ever before.”

While most of the buzz has centred on selfies, the improved front camera also enhances Face ID performance, especially in low-light and tilted angles.

This is thanks to a new 3D mapping system that improves recognition speed by 30 per cent and accuracy by up to 20 per cent, according to Apple.

The selfie camera now supports 4K video at 60fps, along with cinematic stabilisation, making it ideal for vloggers, influencers, and remote workers relying on video calls.

There is also a new "Focus Mode" that blurs the background during FaceTime, Zoom, or WhatsApp calls, even if the app itself does not support it natively.

Apple is pitching this as more than vanity tech.

“It’s about communication,” said Kim. “Whether you’re making content or calling family halfway across the world, we want your face and your expressions to come through clearly.”

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AI camera features: private and on-device

Privacy-conscious users may be pleased to know that all AI processing for selfies is done on-device.

Therefore, no data leaves your iPhone unless you explicitly share it.

The A19 Bionic chip, debuting in the iPhone 17 lineup, includes a dedicated AI core that processes photo enhancements in milliseconds, even before the image is saved to the gallery.

More iPhone 17 features people might overlook

While most headlines focus on the camera and minor design tweaks, here are less-hyped iPhone 17 features that The Eastleigh Voice readers might appreciate:

Satellite WhatsApp and iMessage Support: Apple has NOT officially activated satellite messaging services in Kenya, due to local regulations, but the satellite hardware is built in and ready, so when Apple activates support in the region, your device should be compatible without needing an upgrade.

In areas with poor signal, like parts of North Eastern Kenya or remote rural areas, users will soon send emergency texts or even short voice messages using satellite connectivity. (Will Safaricom agree?)

eSIM dual activation: travellers can now activate two eSIM lines simultaneously, perfect for people managing both local and diaspora numbers.

Carbon-neutral design: Apple says the iPhone 17 is its first carbon-neutral iPhone, made with 100% recycled rare earth elements in key components.

Improved dust and spill protection: With a new Nano-coating and IP68+ rating, the iPhone 17 is more resistant to dusty environments and accidental spills; this is helpful in outdoor market environments.

According to Apple’s regional distribution partners, the iPhone 17 will be available in Kenya beginning October 5, with pre-orders opening via major retailers and select Apple-authorised resellers from September 12.

Pricing will start at around Sh170,000 for the base model, with the iPhone 17 Pro expected to retail upwards of Sh230,000.