Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max has proven itself to be more than just a smartphone — it’s a powerful tool for artistic expression. In a New York art exhibit titled Joy in 3 Parts, the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s camera was showcased through the work of renowned photographers like Inez & Vinoodh, Mickalene Thomas, and Trunk Xu. Each artist used the device to explore the theme of “joy” and contributed five photos to the exhibition, revealing how advanced smartphone photography has become.
Capturing Joy with iPhone 17 Pro Max
The iPhone 17 Pro Max comes equipped with three 48-megapixel Fusion cameras — wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto — making it an ideal tool for photographers looking to capture detailed, high-quality images across a variety of settings. Mickalene Thomas took advantage of the iPhone’s camera system to photograph Black residents in Brooklyn’s Fort Greene Park. Her candid portraits exuded a natural, spontaneous feel, with Thomas attributing much of the ease to the iPhone’s compact size. She noted that the device allowed her subjects to feel more at ease than when faced with a traditional, bulky camera setup.
Trunk Xu, on the other hand, took a different approach, drawing inspiration from the world of social media. He explored how the iPhone has revolutionized photography, enabling people to document their lives instantly and authentically. “The iPhone has unlocked a profound joy: the ability to document the world as it is now,” Xu explained. His work highlighted how the iPhone can be both a tool of artistic expression and a means to capture everyday moments.
A Shift in Photography Tools
While the iPhone 17 Pro Max is setting new standards for mobile photography, not every device in Apple’s new lineup offers the same capabilities. The iPhone Air, with its single rear camera, doesn’t quite match the photographic power of the Pro Max. Early buyers have already noticed this difference, with preorders for the iPhone Air falling behind those of the Pro Max. This comparison highlights the distinct advantages that the Pro Max brings to users looking for professional-grade photography in a smartphone.
Where Art and Technology Meet
Apple continues to push the boundaries of what smartphones can do, seamlessly blending creativity with technology. The Joy in 3 Parts exhibition demonstrates how the iPhone 17 Pro Max is more than just a communication tool — it’s a creative instrument that rivals traditional professional cameras. By providing acclaimed artists with early access to the device, Apple emphasizes its role in transforming how we capture and experience the world around us.