Rumor: iPhone 16 Pro Could Feature 5X Optical Zoom Lens Previously Unique to iPhone 15 Pro Max

The iPhone 15 Pro Max has proven to be incredibly popular, selling out within hours of its pre-order release. Despite the removal of the 128GB storage option, which increased the price by $100, consumers still showed a strong interest in this flagship iPhone. Experts attribute this popularity to the inclusion of a 120mm ‘tetraprism’ lens, which allows for 5X optical zoom capability. Aside from this feature, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is similar to its smaller counterpart, the iPhone 15 Pro, boasting an Action button, titanium frame, and USB-C. Furthermore, a recent leak suggests that the same zoom lens will be incorporated into the iPhone 16 Pro, set to be launched in 2024, due to the overwhelming demand for this feature.

The information comes from Apple analyst and longtime tipster Ming-Chi Kuo, who said in a Medium post, “Both the iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Pro are expected to feature tetraprism telephoto cameras.” This change may also increase the popularity of the iPhone 16 Pro model next year. This year, experts have predicted that the iPhone 15, thanks to the new 48 megapixel camera and the inclusion of Dynamic Island, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max will become popular with consumers.

iPhone 16 Pro, with which you get a 5X optical zoom lens

When introducing the lens at an Apple event, the company called it the “longest optical zoom ever on an iPhone,” offering 5X optical zoom with its 120mm lens. It was also equipped with optical image stabilization and autofocus with a 3D sensor transfer module, making it the company’s most advanced stabilization system.

However, Apple has faced production challenges due to the manufacturing requirements of this lens, which has now affected the availability of the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Kuo says that “the most significant bottleneck of the iPhone 15 Pro Max is currently the tetraprism compact camera module (CCM), which is exclusively supplied by LGIT”. But the problem isn’t expected to last long, as Apple has “urgently increased the specifications of the tetraprism lens exclusively supplied by Largan to address CCM yield issues caused by assembly tolerances.”

It is believed that the problem will be solved in a couple of weeks. By the time the supply chain opens up for production next year, both Apple and Lagran should have found a better way to improve returns that isn’t so resource intensive. This is considered the key to extending the tetraprism CCM to the iPhone 16 Pro model.

Note that the information mentioned here is based on leaks and rumours, and has not been confirmed by any official source. Take it with a grain of salt and wait for the official iPhone 16 Pro launch to really know if it will get a tetraprism lens.