Apple Removes Night Mode From Portrait Mode on iPhone 17 Pro: Users React

Cupertino, California — Apple’s latest flagship, the iPhone 17 Pro, has caused a stir among users by removing the highly regarded Night Mode feature from Portrait mode. First introduced with the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max, this feature allowed users to take stunning portraits even in low-light environments, creating a sharp contrast between the subject and the background. However, with the iPhone 17 Pro, that option has been eliminated, leaving many users confused and disappointed.

A Surprising Omission

The absence of Night Mode in Portrait mode was first noted by Reddit users and on Apple forums, with many initially assuming their phones were malfunctioning. However, the reality became clear when users discovered that the iPhone 17 Pro was not listed among the supported models on Apple’s official website. For context, the following iPhone models have included Night Mode in Portrait mode:

• iPhone 12 Pro
• iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 13 Pro
• iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 15 Pro
• iPhone 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 16 Pro
• iPhone 16 Pro Max

With the iPhone 17 Pro’s omission from this list, it’s clear that Apple has made a significant change to the device’s camera capabilities. The decision has left users puzzled, as Night Mode in Portrait mode was a popular feature for photography enthusiasts, particularly those who enjoy capturing subjects in dimly lit settings.

What’s Behind the Change?

Apple has yet to officially comment on the removal of Night Mode in Portrait mode, but speculation about the reason for the change has already begun. Macworld has suggested that the longer exposure time required for Night Mode could be one factor. Taking a photo in Night Mode typically involves a longer capture time, and some users may become frustrated with waiting and move their phones too quickly, leading to blurry or incomplete shots.

Another possible explanation is that Apple may be focusing on streamlining the user experience and reducing the complexity of its camera features. Night Mode is still available in the standard camera mode, so users can still capture low-light images—but the ability to convert those images into Portrait mode is no longer an option. According to Macworld, the iPhone 17 Pro lacks the depth information necessary to create Portrait shots in low-light conditions, which may have led to the feature’s removal.

User Reactions: A Step Backward?

The backlash from iPhone 17 Pro users has been swift. Many have taken to online forums and social media to express their dissatisfaction with the removal of Night Mode in Portrait mode. One Reddit user, catalyticclover, voiced a common sentiment, stating, “Portraits at night don’t look nearly as good as they could. And it’s a downgrade compared to the quality that previous models could achieve.”

While some users are accepting of the change, others are frustrated by the loss of a feature that had become a hallmark of the iPhone’s photography suite. Portrait mode, with its characteristic background blur (bokeh), has been praised for its ability to isolate subjects in shots, but in low-light settings, Night Mode was often a key factor in ensuring those portraits remained clear and vibrant.

The Bigger Picture: What’s New in the iPhone 17 Pro

Despite the removal of this popular feature, the iPhone 17 Pro is still a powerful upgrade over previous models. All three main rear cameras are capable of capturing 48-megapixel RAW files and 24-megapixel HEIF images, offering exceptional detail and flexibility for photography enthusiasts. The improvements in camera technology on the iPhone 17 Pro include better color accuracy, faster autofocus, and improved low-light performance—just not in Portrait mode.

Portrait mode itself continues to be a feature with mixed reviews among photographers. While it’s praised for making the subject “pop” against a blurred background, it’s also sometimes criticized for producing results that appear too artificial or overly processed. The removal of Night Mode from Portrait mode could be seen as a step toward refining and simplifying the iPhone’s approach to portrait photography, albeit at the expense of low-light versatility.

Could Apple Bring Back Night Mode in Portrait Mode?

There’s always the possibility that Apple could reintroduce Night Mode in Portrait mode in a future software update. After all, the company has made similar adjustments to camera features in the past, often responding to user feedback and evolving technological capabilities.

For now, iPhone 17 Pro users will have to make do with the traditional Portrait mode options available in well-lit conditions, while relying on standard Night Mode for low-light photos.

Conclusion: A Bold but Controversial Move

The removal of Night Mode from Portrait mode on the iPhone 17 Pro is a curious decision from Apple, one that has left some users scratching their heads. While the iPhone 17 Pro remains a top-tier device with cutting-edge features, the absence of a beloved photo tool has been a disappointment for many. Whether this change will stick or be revised in the future remains to be seen, but it’s clear that for some, this loss represents a step backward in iPhone photography.

Apple has always been known for its ability to adapt and evolve, so it will be interesting to see how the company responds to this feedback. For now, users will have to make do with the camera features available—and hope that future updates may bring back the Night Mode magic that many have come to love.