Apple launched the iPhone 15 Pro Max with one of the most significant camera upgrades compared to prior releases. The latest flagship features improved camera hardware and software optimizations that reflect improved photo and video quality. The iPhone 15 Pro Max features 5x optical zoom capabilities that can jump up to 25x with the help of digital zoom. Now, Apple plans to further improve the cameras on the iPhone 16 Pro models with a tetraprism telephoto lens.
iPhone 16 Pro will feature the same tetraprism camera lens as the 'Pro' model thanks to the bigger form factor and better periscope yields
Prominent industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo states that the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro models will launch with the company's tetraprism telephoto lens. The new lens will allow for better zoom capabilities on both 'Pro' models of the iPhone 16. Note that the iPhone 15 Pro Max features a tetraprism telephoto lens that enables 5x optical zoom, but the feature was ditched for the smaller iPhone 15 Pro.
This is the first time Apple introduced significant hardware changes in the camera department for only the bigger iPhone 15 Pro Max. However, the iPhone 16 Pro models will be streamlined with the same camera lens on both variants. It was previously reported that Apple decided to house a tetraprism on the iPhone 15 Pro Max due to access space. The smaller iPhone 15 Pro did not have ample room to be equipped with a tetraprism telephoto lens for 5x zoom.
The iPhone 15 Pro potentially utilizes the same telephoto sensor that Apple debuted with the iPhone 14 Pro Max. Henceforth, it is only capable of 3x optical zoom. Yet, the lack of internal space could not be the only factor in ditching the tetraprism telephoto lens on the smaller iPhone 15 Pro. However, it is reported that the iPhone 16 Pro will feature a slightly bigger form factor than the iPhone 15 Pro, which could eliminate the spatial allocation scenario.
It was previously reported that Apple supplier Largan achieved only 40 percent of production yield in the third quarter of this year. This may have been a factor that led Apple to make the tetraprism telephoto lens an exclusive feature of the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Now, the production yield rests at 70 percent, meaning next year's iPhone 16 Pro could feature the same tetraprism telephoto lens as its bigger 'Max' variant.
The iPhone 16 Pro is expected to feature a slightly bigger 6.3-inch display, eliminating internal space constraints. It remains to be seen if Apple will provide additional improvements in the tetraprism lens for the iPhone 16 Pro models. While details are scarce at this stage, we will update you as soon as further information is available.
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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