Apple’s 0.5x camera, also known as the ultra‑wide lens, gives iPhones the ability to capture a much wider field of view than the standard lens. It’s useful for landscapes, architecture, and tight spaces where stepping back isn’t possible. iPhones with an ultra‑wide camera include models starting from the iPhone 11 series and newer, as well as all Pro and Pro Max models released since then.
The ultra‑wide camera works alongside the main lens and, on some models, a telephoto lens. This setup offers more framing choices without needing extra gear. The 0.5x mode appears in the Camera app as a zoom option, letting users switch instantly between lenses.
Knowing which iPhones have this feature helps when deciding on an upgrade or buying a used device. From the iPhone 11 to the latest iPhone 15 Pro Max, the ultra‑wide lens has become a standard part of Apple’s multi‑lens systems, making it a reliable tool for wider shots.
What is the 0.5x Camera on iPhone?
The 0.5x camera is Apple’s Ultra‑Wide lens, introduced to capture a much wider field of view — 120° — compared to the main (1x) lens.
It’s great for:
- Landscapes and architecture
- Group shots without stepping back
- Dramatic close‑ups with perspective distortion
📅 iPhones with the 0.5x Ultra‑Wide Lens
The Ultra‑Wide lens first appeared in the iPhone 11 series (2019) and is now standard in most mid‑to‑high‑end models.
iPhone 11 Series (2019)
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
(First models to feature the 0.5x Ultra‑Wide lens.)
iPhone 12 Series (2020)
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone 13 Series (2021)
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone 14 Series (2022)
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
iPhone 15 Series (2023)
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
iPhone 16 Series (2024)
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
Does iPhone 16e Have a 0.5x Camera?
No — the iPhone 16e does not have a 0.5x Ultra‑Wide lens.
It comes with a single 48‑megapixel main camera that can shoot at 1x and a simulated 2x zoom by cropping into the sensor. While this gives you a telephoto‑like effect without quality loss, it cannot replicate the wider field of view of a true 0.5x Ultra‑Wide lens, because that extra scene information is never captured in the first place.
If you want an iPhone with a 0.5x Ultra‑Wide camera, you’ll need to choose from the iPhone 11 series or newer (excluding SE models and the 16e).
❌ iPhones Without 0.5x Camera
- All iPhones before the iPhone 11
- All iPhone SE models (even the latest SE 2022)
- iPhone 16e
- Older budget models like iPhone XR, iPhone 8, etc.
💡 Tips for Using the 0.5x Camera
- Tap “0.5” in the Camera app to switch instantly to Ultra‑Wide.
- Use in tight spaces where you can’t step back.
- Watch for distortion at the edges — it’s part of the effect but can be adjusted in editing.
- In low light, enable Night Mode for sharper results (available on iPhone 12 and newer Ultra‑Wide lenses).
Key Takeaways
- The 0.5x camera is Apple’s ultra‑wide lens.
- iPhones from the 11 series onward include it.
- It allows wider shots without extra equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Apple first introduced the 0.5x ultra-wide lens in the iPhone 11 series, and it has been part of most standard and Pro models since. This lens captures a wider field of view than the main camera, making it useful for landscapes, group shots, and tight spaces.
Which iPhone models feature the ultra-wide 0.5x camera option?
The 0.5x ultra-wide camera appears on the iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max and continues through the iPhone 12, 13, 14, and 15 lineups, including both standard and Pro models. It is also expected on newer models like the iPhone 16 series.
Is the 0.5x camera functionality available on the iPhone 13?
Yes. All iPhone 13 models, including the mini, have a 12 MP ultra-wide lens that supports 0.5x zoom. The Pro models pair it with a telephoto lens, while the standard models keep the wide and ultra-wide setup.
Can I use the ultra-wide camera on an iPhone 11?
Yes. The iPhone 11 was the first standard model to include the 0.5x ultra-wide camera. Both the iPhone 11 and the Pro versions have this feature, though the Pro models also add a telephoto lens.
Has Apple included the 0.5x camera in the specifications for the iPhone 16?
Yes. Apple has continued the ultra-wide 0.5x lens in the iPhone 16 lineup. It remains part of the dual- or triple-lens systems, depending on the model tier.
What is the difference between the iPhone 12 camera and the iPhone 13 camera in terms of ultra-wide capabilities?
Both the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 have a 12 MP ultra-wide lens with 0.5x zoom. The iPhone 13’s ultra-wide lens has a wider aperture, allowing more light for better low-light performance compared to the iPhone 12.
Do earlier iPhone models, such as the iPhone 7, support the 0.5x camera feature?
No. iPhones before the iPhone 11, including the iPhone 7, do not have an ultra-wide lens. These models only offer a standard wide lens, and some include a telephoto lens on the Plus or Pro versions.
