Earlier this week, it was rumored that Apple's upcoming iPhone 17 Pro models will offer up to 8× optical zoom, and this could explain why

Phone 17 Pro camera leaks reveal 8x optical zoom, new Pro Camera app, A19 Pro chip, and copper finish, expected September 2025 release with major photography upgrades.

First up, the iPhone 17 Pro will apparently offer up to 8x optical zoom. Currently, the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max offer 5x telephoto zoom cameras. And if that wasn't enough, the iPhone 17 Pro's lens will be movable, to allow for continuous optical zoom below the 8x maximum.