A breathtaking view of Earth, captured not by a complex astronomical instrument, but by an iPhone. As the Artemis II astronauts journey towards the moon, they’ve already gifted the world with stunning images, hinting at a potential revival of Apple’s celebrated “Shot on iPhone” campaign.
Astronauts Christina Koch and Reid Wiseman shared two remarkable photographs via NASA, revealing a vibrant Earth framed by the window of the Orion spacecraft. The surprising detail? These weren’t taken with specialized space cameras, but with an iPhone 17 Pro.
The original “Shot on iPhone” campaign, launched with the iPhone 6, was a testament to the power of mobile photography. For years, it showcased the artistry of everyday iPhone users, elevating their work to billboards and Apple Store displays.
These new images, depicting Koch and Wiseman gazing back at our planet, would undoubtedly be contenders for any modern iteration of that contest. The Earth appears almost entirely visible, a brilliant sphere against the darkness of space.
The iPhones aboard Orion aren’t equipped for connectivity – no internet, no Bluetooth. Their sole purpose is to capture these extraordinary moments. While Apple wasn’t involved in selecting the devices, the resulting imagery is a powerful endorsement of iPhone capabilities.
This isn’t the first time an iPhone has ventured into space, but it marks a significant milestone. The iPhone 17 Pro is the first smartphone fully certified for prolonged use in the challenging environment of orbit, opening a new chapter in space photography.
The details of the shots – zoom levels and specific settings – remain undisclosed, adding to the mystique. However, the images themselves speak volumes, demonstrating the incredible potential of mobile technology to document humanity’s greatest adventures.
