Apple’s upcoming iPhone 16 Pro camera is set to receive a big upgrade, according to reports from DigiTimes Asia. The new phone will likely sport the same tetraprism periscope camera that debuted on the iPhone 15 Pro Max last year. Not just the camera, even the iPhone 16 base variant will be getting an upgraded A18 chipset instead of a year-old A17.
This periscope lens offers a significant leap in optical zoom compared to previous iPhones. With 5x optical zoom and 25x digital zoom, users can capture distant objects in sharp detail. iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max maxed out at 3x optical zoom.
Here are the specs of the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max camera:
- 48 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.28″, 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF, sensor-shift OIS
- 12 MP, f/2.8, 77mm (telephoto), 1/3.5″, 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom
- 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.55″, 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF
The periscope lens is also expected to improve overall image stabilization, which can reduce blur in photos and videos, especially at high zoom levels or in low-light conditions.
The report reveals Apple’s supply chain for this new component. Taiwanese manufacturers Largan Precision and Genius Electronic Optical (GSEO) are said to be the primary suppliers of the periscope camera components.
- Largan, already familiar with supplying these lenses for the iPhone 15 Pro Max, is expected to remain a major supplier.
- GSEO, a newcomer to this specific part of the supply chain, is reportedly undergoing final quality testing, and results are promising.
Production from GSEO is anticipated to begin in mid-July if they pass these final tests.
Personally, I am not a fan of 5x zoom periscope cameras. There is just too much zoom, and there are rarely any shots that are perfect for this zoom.