As we reported before, NASA almost didn't approve the iPhone 17 Pro Max to go on board the Artemis II spacecraft into space. It has been a few days since the launch, and the Apple flagship is already drawing attention, not just for its expected hardware upgrades but for its surprising appearance in space photography.
Photography of the Moon and Earth on the iPhone
Recent images captured beyond Earth’s atmosphere showcase the device’s camera capabilities in extreme environments, offering a glimpse of what could be one of the most advanced smartphone cameras yet. In one instance, NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman used an iPhone to capture a striking image of the Moon’s surface from space.
Astronaut Reid Wiseman captured this stunning image of the Moon using nothing more than an iPhone 17 Pro.
— Earth (@earthcurated) April 6, 2026
the same camera that fits in your pocket. pic.twitter.com/mZevaDhhIT
The photo highlights the level of detail and clarity achievable even in challenging conditions, where lighting, distance, and movement can make photography significantly more difficult. Separately, images of Earth taken from orbit using the iPhone 17 Pro Max reveal vibrant colours and sharp detail, with the planet appearing almost surreal from space.
Unlike controlled product demos, these images serve as real-world validation of the iPhone’s camera system in one of the most extreme environments possible. From low-light conditions to high contrast scenes, space photography presents unique challenges that highlight both hardware and software strengths.
Some Fun Facts
In the three photos of Earth, it is reported that these were taken with the iPhone 17 Pro Max's front camera, instead of the primary camera on the back. In addition, none of these was sponsored by Apple, as NASA cleared each iPhone device independently for extended usage beyond Earth orbit. The iPhone 17 Pro Max had to go through a four-phase qualification process before getting approved.
Typically, NASA relies on professional camera gear to capture space shots. In this latest space mission, they also brought along the Nikon D5, Nikon Z 9, and GoPro HERO4 Black. Hasselblad was also the first to be used for taking photography shots on the moon, which we talked about before right here.
We surely have come a long way from using professional camera gear to an iPhone. But make no mistake, the iPhone isn't a replacement at all. You can view more photos on NASA Johnson's Flickr page here. Stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.
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