Can you believe that these award-winning images were shot with an iPhone?

(Image credit: Jarod Peraza / Adrian Beasley • IPPAwards)

The results of the 18th annual iPhone Photography Awards (IPPAwards) are here to remind us just how powerful today's camera phones have become. These award-winning shots weren't captured with high-end DSLRs or mirrorless cameras – they were all shot on the best iPhones for photography. And they're nothing short of stunning.

This year's Grand Prize and title of Photographer of the Year went to Jarod Peraza for Viajero Nocturno – a moody, moonlit scene from Villa de Leyva, Colombia. First Place in the Photographer of the Year Category was awarded to Carol Addassi for Passage – a black-and-white shot captured beneath the arches of Central Park in New York City.

In total, the 2025 IPPAwards honored winners across 14 categories – from Abstract to Portrait, Nature to Series – with over 500 Honorable Mentions. Let's dive into some of the standout winners – and if you're curious to explore all awarded images, head over to the official IPPAwards website.

Grand Prize Winner: Photographer of the Year

A person in a hat takes a photo in front of a softly lit white wall, illuminated by a vintage street lamp at night — (Image credit: Jarod Peraza / IPPAWARDS)

Jarod Peraza, United States
Viajero Nocturno, Columbia
Shot on iPhone 16 Pro Max

Photographer of the Year: First place

A dimly lit bridge surrounded by bare trees and skyscrapers, creating a mysterious urban atmosphere at night — (Image credit: Carol Addassi / IPPAWARDS)

Carol Addassi, United States
Passage, Central Park in Manhattan, New York City
Shot on iPhone XS

First place – Category: People

An elderly man in a hat sits in a folding chair, gazing at vibrant, multi-colored buildings in a cobblestone street — (Image credit: Karolina Zielony / IPPAWARDS)

Karolina Zielony, United Kingdom
Vibrant Colours of The Neighbourhood, La Boca, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Shot on iPhone 14 Pro Max

First place – Category: Animals

A majestic humpback whale swimming gracefully in deep water, captured in striking black and white — (Image credit: Jayne Parker / IPPAWARDS)

Jayne Parker, New Zealand
Close Encounter, Vava'u Island group of Tonga
Shot on iPhone 15 Pro

First place - Category: Cityscape

A black-and-white street scene showcasing the Tyne Bridge above, flanked by historic buildings and scattered pedestrians — (Image credit: Adrian Beasley / IPPAWARDS)

Adrian Beasley, United Kingdom
The Timeless Tyne Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne
Shot on iPhone 13 Pro

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Kim is a photographer, editor and writer with work published internationally. She holds a Master's degree in Photography and Media and was formerly Technique Editor at Digital Photographer, focusing on the art and science of photography. Blending technical expertise with visual insight, Kim explores photography's time-honored yet ever-evolving role in culture. Through her features, tutorials, and gear reviews, she aims to encourage readers to explore the medium more deeply and embrace its full creative potential.

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