iPhone 16 Pro to Feature 5x Zoom Camera Like Pro Max, Exciting Upgrades Planned for Future Models

The 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Pro Max introduced the tetraprism camera, offering an impressive 5x optical zoom for its telephoto lens. However, the smaller 6.1-inch iPhone 15 Pro retained the 3x zoom. This is set to change with the 2024 iPhone 16 series.

Both the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, expected to launch in September 2024, will be equipped with the same 5x telephoto lens found in the 15 Pro Max. Renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo confirms that this camera will have identical specifications to its predecessor. Kuo also projects a 160% increase in component shipments due to this upgrade.

More exciting developments are anticipated for future models. The high-end iPhone 17, slated for late 2025, will feature a tetraprism camera with a 48-megapixel sensor and an increased sensor size of 1/2.6 inches, enhancing image quality and low-light performance. It's yet to be determined if this advanced camera will be exclusive to the Pro Max or available on both Pro models.

Looking further ahead to 2027, the 'iPhone 19' is expected to see another significant upgrade to the telephoto camera. Kuo suggests this could involve increasing the optical range, potentially using more prisms to extend the light path, thereby enabling greater than 5x optical zoom. This new design would surpass the current tetraprism configuration, incorporating more than five internal reflectors.