iPhone 16 Camera Rumors: Tetraprism Zoom Lens Takes Center Stage

Politics, News Sept. 20, 2023, 11:25 p.m.

In the lead-up to the iPhone 15 release, rumors about the iPhone 16 are already circulating. The key focus is on the anticipated adoption of tetraprism zoom lenses for enhanced optical zoom capabilities, with potential supply challenges addressed by Apple.

In the midst of the impending iPhone 15 release, the rumor mill is already buzzing about the iPhone 16. One prominent report focuses on the next-gen iPhone's camera capabilities, specifically hinting at the broader adoption of the innovative tetraprism zoom lens featured in the iPhone 15 Pro Max. This lens enables optical zoom capabilities of up to 5x, setting the stage for exciting photography enhancements.

To provide some context, the iPhone 15 Pro offers a 3x optical zoom, consistent with the previous iPhone 14 Pro Max. However, renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts a change in the upcoming iPhone 16 models. According to Kuo, the tetraprism technology will extend its reach to include the iPhone 16 Pro, alongside the iPhone 16 Pro Max, although details about any potential "Ultra" version remain undisclosed.

Kuo sheds light on why the iPhone 15 Pro did not feature the tetraprism lens this year. Primarily, the compact camera module assembly incorporating this technology poses production challenges due to its complexity and cost. These hurdles result in lower production yields, leading to supply shortages. Currently, Largan stands as the sole producer of tetraprism lenses, exacerbating the bottleneck issue. Consequently, shipments of the iPhone 15 Pro Max have been delayed until November, a recurring occurrence with new iPhone releases.

Apple has a proactive plan to address these challenges. The company is increasing its orders for tetraprism lenses and anticipates resolving these supply issues by the time the iPhone 16 debuts.

The tetraprism lens represents an impressive technological feat, akin to a periscope lens, capable of achieving extended focal lengths by guiding light through multiple glass reflections before reaching the sensor. Apple's tetraprism design ingeniously reflects light four times within a confined space, resulting in a longer focal length akin to a 120mm DSLR camera lens boasting a wide aperture of 2.8.

It's worth noting that Apple is not the sole pioneer in folded lenses for optical zoom in smartphones. Samsung employs a similar approach in its Galaxy S series, delivering an impressive 10x optical zoom, extendable to 100x magnification through software enhancements. Apple's interpretation, however, exhibits notable prowess and promises exceptional photographic experiences.

In keeping with Apple's tradition, this isn't the first time a premium feature from one iPhone model finds its way into lower-tier variants. For example, the entire iPhone 15 lineup benefits from the Dynamic Island interface previously exclusive to the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max, underscoring Apple's commitment to democratizing cutting-edge technology for all its users.