In addition to the fancy video mode, Apple also added the option to take Macro photos – that is, close-up shots of objects – starting with the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max; it’s a feature that was carried forward to the iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max.
Also: How to take great macro photos with the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max
iPhone models that can take macro photos have the feature enabled by default. That means when you open the camera app and start to frame your photo, the phone automatically recognizes it’s getting close to an item and will switch to Macro mode without you doing a thing. It’s a nice feature to have, but it can be jarring and it might not always be what you want or how you want to take the photo.
Apple eventually added a button (starting with iOS 15.1) that can enable or disable Macro mode on demand, directly in the Camera app.
How to turn on the Macro Control button
How to take a Macro photo with the new Macro Control button
Now that your iPhone’s camera will no longer automatically detect and switch lenses to take a Macro photo, how do you take one on purpose? Glad you asked.
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Open the camera app, make sure it’s in Photo mode, and frame the shot as you normally would. In the viewfinder you’ll see a new macro button (it looks like a flower). When the button is yellow, Macro mode is turned on and available. When it’s not yellow, you’re taking regular photos.
What can you expect from the results of a macro photo?
Macro shots allow you to capture subjects as close as two centimeters away. Still macro photos, with enough lighting, can capture finer details like the whiskers of your furry friend to the droplets on a flower petal.
For a little inspiration, check out the finalists from Apple’s Macro Shot on iPhone Challenge.
Do the iPhone 13/iPhone 14 and iPhone 14/13 Pro have the same cameras?
While both the iPhone 13/14 and 13 Pro/14 Pro offer multi-camera setups, the difference in the cameras lies in their rear lenses. The iPhone 13 has a dual camera system – including an ultra-wide and wide lens.
Also: iPhone 14 Pro vs. iPhone 13 Pro: Is it worth the upgrade?
If you’re looking to shoot from further away or capture more candid moments, the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro have an additional telephoto lens and, of course, the capability to shoot macro photography.
