The iPhone 14 Pro's triple camera system now includes a high-resolution 48MP sensor, but the growing camera bump is becoming a major concern.

The iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max both offer the first major update to the iPhone's main camera sensor in years, but that comes at a cost — a large and cumbersome camera bump. Apple announced the latest iPhones at its 'Far Out' event in September, but not every device can be considered the pinnacle of innovation. The iPhone 14 is basically a repackaged iPhone 13 with a fresh name and some new colors, and the iPhone 14 Plus is a scaled-up version of that product. Apple saved many of the upgrades for the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, especially with regard to the camera system.

Though the iPhone's camera system is routinely upgraded — sometimes through hardware changes, often through software updates — megapixel increases are a rarity. Apple has kept the iPhone's main shooter at 12-megapixels for a while now, but that changes with the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. Both of the company's flagship smartphones have a 48-megapixel main shooter, in addition to telephoto and ultra-wide lenses. The upgrade is sure to result in photos that look better than ever, but it comes with consequences.

Related: iPhone 14 Pro & iPhone 14 Pro Max: Everything You Need To Know

Apple lists the depth of both the iPhone 14 Pro and the iPhone 14 Pro Max at 0.31 inch, or 7.85 millimeters. For perspective, the iPhone 14 Pro is as thick as a stack of seven quarters. That's pretty thin, but this year's flagship iPhones are slightly thicker than last generation's iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max. The reason for the increase in thickness isn't a bigger chassis or a larger battery. Instead, it's a larger camera system. Apple has pushed the limits with the iPhone's camera bump for years, and its new iPhone 14 Pro camera system is the thickest to date. It also takes up more space on the back of an iPhone — the iPhone 14 Pro's camera bump is a 1.5-inch square.

The camera bump protrudes considerably from the main chassis of the iPhone 14 Pro, making the device feel more clunky and cumbersome overall. Apple doesn't provide information on the size of the camera bump specifically, but it looks to be about the thickness of two quarters. The significant disparity between the camera bump and the main chassis leaves the iPhone unbalanced and wobbly when placed flat on a surface. This is especially relevant for the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, since both phones feature always-on displays that show useful information when the device is face-up. Adding a protective case can fix this issue, but a third-party solution shouldn't be needed to correct poor design.

The iPhone 14 Pro's camera bump also opens the door to another major issue: durability. Due to the lenses protruding from the main body of the smartphone, there is an increased risk of damage to the camera system. The three lenses are likely to be the first point of impact when the phone is dropped on its back, which could lead to cracking. Even the most careful of users can end up scratching the lenses of their iPhone 14 Pro as a result of the large camera bump. Though the iPhone 14 Pro camera system provides an upgrade in photo and video quality, the camera bump is a growing concern.

Brady Snyder is a journalism student at St. John's University specializing in Apple, wearables, and audio. Based in New York City, he reviews consumer technology, software, and services. Brady is well-versed in iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and macOS — but experiments with Android and Windows as needed. He believes that competition between technology companies facilitates progress, and cautions against sticking to one particular brand or device. Instead, Brady tests out any tech product or service he can get his hands on, and aids buyers in making an informed decision about what is best for their needs. He's currently flipping into the future with Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G, but the Apple Watch's incredible fitness features might have him coming back to the iPhone in no time. Brady's always searching for the best and most productive workflow with his technology, regardless of the platform he is currently using.