The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max introduced a major difference between the two models with the telephoto lens, but reports now suggest that this gap may be closed with the upcoming iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts that a tetraprism lens, currently exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, will be installed on both models, bringing uniformity to the cameras with a 5x zoom equivalent lens.
Largan, a company that supplies lenses to Apple, is expected to provide the tetraprism camera for the new iPhone models. Kuo suggests that the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max will feature the same specifications for the tetraprism camera as the iPhone 15 Pro Max, with no changes in shipment price. This consistency could be an advantage for Largan, as Apple would typically negotiate a lower price for a component that is being supplied for a second year.
Currently, the iPhone 15 Pro Max has a more powerful telephoto zoom compared to the iPhone 15 Pro, with a 3x zoom equivalent. Apple previously explained that the disparity was due to size constraints, as the smaller iPhone 15 Pro did not have room for the larger zoom. With the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus expected to be slightly bigger in size, there may now be space to include the 5x zoom on both models.
Recent reports suggest that more models in the upcoming iPhone lineup will feature periscope lenses supplied by Largan, with GSEO likely to join as a new supplier. This aligns with previous rumors from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who predicted in October 2023 that the iPhone 16 Pro would have the tetraprism lens. If these rumors turn out to be true, it would be a significant upgrade for users wanting a more powerful zoom on their iPhones.
While rumors do not always equate to fact, the direction these reports are taking seems promising for iPhone users. Including the 5x zoom on both the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max would be a practical and desirable feature for many users. Balancing the camera capabilities between the Pro and Pro Max models would also make sense for Apple, as it would offer a more consistent experience across the lineup. Overall, these potential upgrades to the iPhone cameras are generating excitement among users eagerly anticipating the release of the iPhone 16 models.
