Every iPhone 14 model might get two big selfie camera improvements TechRadar Skip to main content TechRadar is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here's why you can trust us. Every iPhone 14 model might get two big selfie camera improvements By James Rogerson published 13 June 2022 Autofocus and an extra element An iPhone 13 Pro Max (Image credit: TechRadar) Audio player loading… Front-facing cameras on smartphones can often feel a bit neglected, and the iPhone is no exception, as Apple hasn't significantly upgraded the selfie cameras on these since the iPhone 11. But another big upgrade could be on the way. According to Ming-Chi Kuo - an analyst with a good track record for Apple information - writing on Medium (opens in new tab), Apple is planning to add autofocus to the front-facing camera on the iPhone 14 line. This isn't actually the first time they've said this, but in reiterating it now it shows they're still confident of it. It's something that we've also previously heard from other sources, so it seems likely. That's not the only upgrade the selfie camera might be getting though, as Kuo also claims that Apple is going to use a six-element lens, up from five elements on the iPhone 13 lens. That refers to the number of individual glass parts within the lens, and while more isn't necessarily better, it certainly can be, and likely would be in this case – especially as Kuo describes this change as an upgrade. So it's likely that the selfie camera on the iPhone 14 and its siblings will offer significantly improved performance over previous iPhones if this information is right. Kuo also shared information on the suppliers tapped by Apple to build this new camera, which isn't of much interest except that if Kuo has those details then it's all the more believable that they'd know about any planned upgrades. Analysis autofocus vs fixed focus According to Kuo, the move to autofocus will lead to "significantly improved selfie and video performance," so the iPhone 14 should be a major improvement. Current iPhones used fixed focus selfie cameras, which means that the lens can't be adjusted, and - without the help of additional software - the amount of a scene that's in focus is consistent across shots. With autofocus though you can optimize the focus for the type of shot you want to take. This allows for more varied shots, and potentially for improved sharpness. There's a tiny downside to autofocus in that it needs a split second to focus, while a fixed focus lens doesn't, but for the most part autofocus is superior and more desirable. However, it's less essential on front-facing cameras than rear ones, since you'll generally be taking the same sorts of shots from the same of distance, as most people will primarily be shooting selfies. Plus, software can pick up some of the slack. But autofocus is still a good upgrade, and one that's been a long time coming.Want to keep in touch? Sign up for TechRadar's daily newsletter Via 9to5Mac (opens in new tab) James RogersonJames is a freelance phones, tablets and wearables writer and sub-editor at TechRadar. He has a love for everything 'smart', from watches to lights, and can often be found arguing with AI assistants or drowning in the latest apps. James also contributes to 3G.co.uk, 4G.co.uk and 5G.co.uk and has written for T3, Digital Camera World, Clarity Media and others, with work on the web, in print and on TV. See more Mobile phones news TechRadar Newsletter Sign up to get breaking news, reviews, opinion, analysis and more, plus the hottest tech deals! Thank you for signing up to TechRadar. You will receive a verification email shortly. There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again. MOST POPULARMOST SHARED1The iPhone 14 Pro is made of the wrong stuff; the Pixel 7 proves that to me2Stop saying Mario doesn't have an accent in The Super Mario Bros. Movie3Google Pixel Tablet is what Apple should've done ages ago4RTX 4090 too expensive? Nvidia resurrects another old favorite5More than one million credit card details leaked online1The iPhone 14 Pro is made of the wrong stuff; the Pixel 7 proves that to me2iPhone 15 tipped to come with an upgraded 5G chip3If this feature succeeds for Modern Warfare 2, Microsoft can't ignore it4Apple October launches: the new devices we might see this month5The Rings of Power episode 8 trailer feels like one big Sauron misdirect Technology Magazines (opens in new tab)● (opens in new tab)The best tech tutorials and in-depth reviewsFrom$12.99 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab) Other versions of this page are available with specific content for the following regions:Sverige