iPhone 16 Pro’s Camera to Match the Pro Max with Identical Hardware

The launch of the iPhone 16 series is just days away, with more details emerging about the devices, particularly concerning the camera hardware of the ‘Pro’ models. Last year, the iPhone 15 Pro Max was the only model equipped with a tetraprism camera capable of offering up to 5x optical zoom. However, the smaller ‘Pro’ model lacked this enhanced zoom functionality. This year, it has been reported that both the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max will feature the same tetraprism lens from the same supplier, eliminating the disparity between the two models.

iPhone 16 Pro to Receive 5x Optical Zoom, Matching the Larger Pro Max

According to a new report from The Elec, LG Innotek will be the sole supplier of the tetraprism lens for both ‘Pro’ models of the iPhone 16, which are rumored to be launched on September 20th, with an official announcement on September 10th. For those unfamiliar, the tetraprism lens is a folded glass structure beneath the main lens that offers enhanced optical zoom by reflecting light four times within the lens. This design allows for longer focal lengths, up to 120mm, enabling 5x optical zoom without any loss in image quality.

This upgrade means that both iPhone 16 Pro models will have the ability to zoom in without compromising the quality of images or videos, a feature that was previously exclusive to the larger iPhone 15 Pro Max. While it’s great news that both models will share this technology, it remains to be seen if the iPhone 16 Pro Max will still offer superior optical zoom capabilities compared to its smaller counterpart.

Additionally, the company employs 3D sensor-shift technology for improved image stabilization, a feature that was also limited to the Pro Max variant due to its larger internal space. Now that the iPhone 16 Pro has a slightly larger chassis, it is expected that this advanced stabilization technology will also be included in the 6.3-inch ‘Pro’ model.

Currently, LG Innotek is the only company responsible for supplying the tetraprism lens for the ‘Pro’ models. However, once the initial stock is depleted, Apple is expected to seek assistance from Foxconn and Cowell for additional supplies of the folded lens technology. Sharp has been excluded from this year’s list of lens suppliers, but there is a possibility that they may join later on. As previously mentioned, Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 16 lineup on September 10th, alongside the Apple Watch Series 10 and AirPods 4.