It has been almost six months since the iPhone 15 models were announced, and the devices have received their fair share of praise for the camera. However, it is never too early to begin speculating what the next model will have in store for users. Based on rumors and reports so far, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models are shaping up to be quite an upgrade, considering the number of changes and front-facing features they will bring. It is now being reported that the iPhone 16 Pro models will boast a 5x optical zoom lens thanks to the tetraprism camera.
Both iPhone 16 Pro models feature a tetraprism lens for 5x optical zoom, as Apple aims to minimize the camera differences
If you are not familiar, the iPhone 15 Pro Max currently houses a tetraprism lens as well, making the device capable of 5x optical zoom. However, the smaller iPhone 15 Pro does not feature the same level of zooming capabilities, and the segregation creates a wider gap in the camera department with the Pro Max. The company appears to be bridging the functionalities of the two models thanks to a slightly bigger design of the iPhone 16 Pro. With a bigger chassis, Apple will be able to fit a tetraprism lens in the iPhone 16 Pro, which will give users a solid reason to choose the smaller version if the camera is their top priority.
The news was shared by the Taiwanese Research firm TrendForce in its press release surrounding the camera lens market. In comparison to the forthcoming iPhone 16 Pro, the iPhone 15 Pro is currently restricted to 3x optical zoom, similar to the iPhone 14 Pro models. What this means is that the camera on the iPhone 15 Pro did not bring any enhancements as far as the optical zoom capabilities are concerned.
Following the successful launch of the iPhone 15 Pro Max with its exclusive Tetraprism telephoto zoom lens, the industry is expected to see an increase in the adoption of periscopic lens modules. Apple plans to bring this advanced hardware upgrade to the iPhone 16 Pro, making it accessible to more users in the Pro series.
The publication emphasized that the smartphone camera industry is looking towards a surge in the use of periscope lenses. As Apple progresses with the technology, Samsung and other contenders will also see fit to enhance the optical zoom capabilities on smaller-sized flagships, like the Galaxy S24 and Pixel 8.
We have previously reported that Apple is expected to increase the screen size of the iPhone 16 Pro from 6.1-inch to 6.3-inch. This means that the device will have a bigger footprint overall, making room for the tetraprism lens. It remains to be seen if the company is planning to offer additional differentiating factors between the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max.
About the author: Ali Salman is a technology reporter for Wccftech mobile section with a specialized focus on Apple and the intellectual property that drives mobile innovation. He has cultivated a unique expertise in analyzing and deconstructing complex technology patents, translating dense legal and technical documents into clear, insightful reports on future products.
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