iPhone 16 Pro could feature 5x optical zoom as Apple orders more periscope lenses: report

Apple is expected to unveil its next-generation iPhone in two months. However, details about the iPhone 16 Pro series’ camera have now surfaced online, implying that Apple is adding advanced features to the Pro models instead of a cheaper iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Plus. The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are expected to feature a 5x tetraprism zoom lens. Last year, Apple used this lens exclusively on the more expensive iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Apple orders more periscope lenses

According to a report from DigitTimes in Asia, Apple is looking to expand the use of periscope lenses for its upcoming iPhone 16 series and a few key suppliers have landed more orders for these lenses. The report, citing industry sources, said that Taiwanese lens module makers Largan Precision and Genius Electronic Optical (GSEO) are expected to be the main suppliers of tetraprism camera components. This could enable 5x optical zoom and 25x digital zoom.

Largan supplied periscope lenses for the iPhone 15 Pro Max launched last year, and GSEO is expected to join the group as a new supplier. This indicates that the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will receive an advanced 5x tetra prism lens. Apple equipped the iPhone 15 Pro Max with a 5x tetra zoom lens exclusively last year, while the iPhone 15 Pro was limited to a 3x optical zoom.

iPhone 16 Pro series camera upgrades expected

In addition to optical zoom capabilities, the iPhone 16 Pro models are expected to feature 48-megapixel main cameras and ultra-wide-angle cameras. The most expensive iPhone model could feature a 48-megapixel Sony IMX903 main camera, while the iPhone 16 Pro is expected to feature a 48-megapixel Sony IMX803 sensor. This sensor is also available on the existing iPhone 15 Pro models.

All four iPhone 16 models are said to feature the same A18 chip. A new Capture button could be added to the iPhone 16 Pro.