Ever spotted a tiny insect, water droplet, or texture and thought, “I wish I could capture that up close”? Well, good news—you don’t need a DSLR with a giant lens. Your iPhone already packs a powerful macro mode that lets you zoom in and shoot stunning close-up photos and videos. Whether you’re capturing nature, products, or textures, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about using the macro mode on an iPhone.
What is the macro mode on iPhones?
The macro mode lets you shoot subjects up close using your iPhone without needing an external lens. It uses the Ultra Wide lens to capture sharp and detailed photos and videos of subjects as close as 2 centimeters from the lens.
This feature is great for shooting textures on leaves, insects, jewelry, food, or any tiny details you want to highlight. The Camera app automatically switches to macro mode when it detects you are close to a subject, but you can also control it manually if your iPhone has the option.
Which iPhones support macro mode?
Macro mode isn’t available on all iPhone models; only iPhones with an Ultra Wide camera can shoot in macro.
Back when it was introduced with the iPhone 13 Pro series, the macro mode was limited to the Pro models. However, starting with the iPhone 16 series, it’s available even on the standard models since they pack an Ultra Wide lens.
Here’s a full list of iPhone models that support macro photography:
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
Older iPhone models don’t support macro photography natively. However, there are workarounds—covered below—that you can use.
How to take macro photos on your iPhone
Taking a macro photo with your iPhone is easy:
- Open the Camera app.
- Set the mode to Photo.
- Move your iPhone close to the subject (within 2 cm), and the camera will automatically switch to the Ultra Wide lens and focus on the subject.
- Tap the Shutter button to take a photo.
Tip: If you see the Auto Macro button (flower icon), you can tap it to turn it off and use manual control instead.
How to record macro videos on your iPhone
For times when you need to capture a tiny subject in motion, you can record a macro video with your iPhone like this:
- Open the Camera app.
- Choose Video, Slo-Mo, or Time-Lapse based on your requirements.
- Tap .5x to switch to the Ultra Wide camera.
- Move close to the subject (within 2 cm).
- Tap the Record button to start recording. Hit it again to stop and save the recording.
Tip: If the video looks blurry, slightly back up or re-tap .5x to reset the focus.
Tips to capture better macro shots with your iPhone
While capturing macro shots is easy, here are a few things you can do to get the best results:
- Use natural light or a ring light to brighten your subject.
- Shoot in Apple ProRAW (if supported) for better editing control.
- Hold your phone steady or use a tripod for sharper results.
- Tap to focus if your subject is’t sharp.
- Try different angles to avoid casting shadows from your iPhone.
- Adjust the exposure by tapping and sliding up/down.
- Edit later using apps like Snapseed or Lightroom to enhance the subject.
Can you take macro shots on unsupported iPhones?
Yes, you can take macro shots on any iPhone, even unsupported ones, with some help. Here are your options:
- Clip-on macro lenses: Buy third-party lenses from brands like Moment or Apexel. These attach to your iPhone and mimic macro capability. This is the best option for high-quality macro photos and videos.
- Third-party camera apps: Apps like Halide or Camera+ simulate macro mode using zoom techniques and AI. Mind you, most third-party camera apps that provide clean results are either paid or require a subscription.
You won’t get the same native quality, but it’s still a fun way to explore macro photography.
Bring the smallest details into focus
The macro mode lets you get closer to the smaller things around you—insects, textures, food, or anything with fine details. You don’t need a fancy setup; just your iPhone is enough to start exploring. And if your iPhone doesn’t support macro mode natively, there are still workarounds worth trying. Either way, it’s a fun way to experiment with close-up photography using whatever you already have.
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