New iPhone SE has Portrait Mode, why not iPhone 8?

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Level 1

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New iPhone SE has Portrait Mode, why not iPhone 8?

Will Portrait Mode (PM) be available for iPhone 8 - that is for the regular models, as the Plus models already has PM. The new SE seems to have the same camera hardware as the older iPhone 8, and as the PM feature is available for the later model this would appear to be a software issue? Unfortunately Apple has lost most of their trustworthiness over the 20+ years I used their products, so I do not know what to expect on this issue either. The iPhone 8 is still my preference for multiple reasons, but as an art director/designer, the PM function is something that I really want to utilise.

I have not found any indications that PM will be available on iPhone 8 even with the latest IOS. Can anybody enlighten me on this topic?

MacBook Pro 13", macOS 10.13

Posted on Apr 18, 2020 8:56 AM

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Answer 1

Joseph_S.

Community Specialist

Apr 20, 2020 9:21 AM in response to simensays

Hello simensays,

Thanks for posting. Portrait mode is a great feature, and I see you want to know about using Portrait mode on an iPhone 8. I'm glad to provide a resource that covers this.

To answer your question, the camera hardware on the iPhone 8 does not support Portrait mode, so it is not a feature that would be added through an iOS update or any other means. For your reference, this contains the compatible models: Use Portrait mode on your iPhone

I hope I've answered your question.

Take care.

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Answer 2

stedman1

Level 10

265,030 points

Apr 20, 2020 12:27 PM in response to BORg529

As with all smart devices: In one way or another, The CPU has everything to do with everything the device can do. In the case of the new SE, it can do portraits because the A13 chip has the ability to do software adjustments to photos.

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Answer 3

stedman1

Level 10

265,030 points

Apr 20, 2020 9:59 AM in response to simensays

The camera is the same. The A13 processor in the new model isn’t.

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Answer 4

BORg529

Level 4

3,070 points

Apr 20, 2020 10:04 AM in response to simensays

Try this link from Apple to compare devices:

https://www.apple.com/iphone/compare/?device1=iphone8&device2=iphoneSE2ndgen

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Answer 5

simensays Author

Level 1

4 points

Apr 20, 2020 3:19 PM in response to stedman1

This should be obvious to everybody.

The conclusion to my initial question looks to be that; No, a software update will not enable Portrait Mode for the iPhone 8.

The reasoning; you proclaim that the A11 chip probably can't do the image processing.

I'll be getting the new SE and keeping the old 8 as a backup...

[Edited by Moderator]

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Answer 6

stedman1

Level 10

265,030 points

Apr 20, 2020 10:16 AM in response to simensays

Yes, on Plus models that actually had two cameras. It would seem there is now a method to have a similar portrait effect by utilizing the improved performance of newer processors.

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Answer 7

BORg529

Level 4

3,070 points

Apr 20, 2020 12:18 PM in response to simensays

Chip has nothing to do with potrait mode. The iPhone 8 Plus has dual cameras, while regular iPhone 8 no more. https://www.businessinsider.com/apple-iphone-portrait-mode-explained-2017-10

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Answer 8

LACAllen

Level 8

43,590 points

Apr 20, 2020 11:37 AM in response to simensays

This is also why a person whom actually can talk on this subject should address it - not a bunch of people whom just post generic, basic information...

Sorry to disappoint...

Apple does not provide such support here. Just us volunteers.

Feedback for Apple goes here >>> http://www.apple.com/feedback/

and fyi... discussions about Apple Policy or decisions they have or have not made, are not permitted.

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Answer 9

simensays Author

Level 1

4 points

Apr 20, 2020 9:58 AM in response to Joseph_S.

Well, not really, but thanks for trying Joseph_S.

I was told that the camera hardware is the same for the SE and the 8, hence my question. I am well aware of what models that support Portrait Mode. If the hardware is in fact differs, please link to a spec sheet for these differences if possible.

Unfortunately, it is likely that this is just another (poor) argument by Apple to move "new" products.

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Answer 10

simensays Author

Level 1

4 points

Apr 20, 2020 10:12 AM in response to stedman1

Yup, this is what I've been told.

However, Portrait Mode was running on the A10 chip, so the later A13 chip is not the reason here. In theory at least, there should be no reason for the PM mode not to work with a updated iPhone 8?

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Answer 11

stedman1

Level 10

265,030 points

Apr 20, 2020 10:51 AM in response to simensays

simensays wrote:

Exactly, and my question is if this is A13 dependent - which should not be the case.

Why do you believe that? Do you have inside information as to the capabilities of Apple’s chip architecture?

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Answer 12

simensays Author

Level 1

4 points

Apr 20, 2020 10:23 AM in response to stedman1

Exactly, and my question is if this is A13 dependent - which should not be the case.

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Answer 13

simensays Author

Level 1

4 points

Apr 20, 2020 12:25 PM in response to stedman1

Haha, not by any means, and why I says that this at least should wok in theory based on what have been mentioned above regarding the chip iterations etc.

[Edited by Moderator]

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Answer 14

BORg529

Level 4

3,070 points

Apr 20, 2020 12:35 PM in response to stedman1

Apparently, I'm mistaken about the "chip," or CPU has something to with portait mode, and other things. Honestly, I do not care of potrait mode, whatever.🙄

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Answer 15

LACAllen

Level 8

43,590 points

Apr 21, 2020 4:04 PM in response to simensays

My friend.

I am not removing your posts.

Apple hosts are the only parties who monitor and remove content they feel does not meet the terms.

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New iPhone SE has Portrait Mode, why not iPhone 8?

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