Apple Explains Why iPhone 15 Pro Max is Limited to 5x Optical Zoom

[MacRumors]

In an interview with Numerama's Nicolas Lellouche, Apple's VP of camera software engineering Jon McCormack explained why the iPhone 15 Pro Max's tetraprism lens system is limited to 5x optical zoom, instead of 10x like on Samsung's Galaxy S23 Ultra. The interview is in French, so quotes below are computer translated.

Apple says the Telephoto lens on the iPhone 15 Pro Max features the company's most advanced camera stabilization system yet, with a combination of optical image stabilization and an autofocus 3D sensor-shift module. McCormack said the iPhone's 5x zoom lens can be stabilized "incredibly well" compared to a 10x lens.

"The 5x zoom is something that we can stabilize incredibly well," McCormack said in the interview. "If you look at the 10x zoom, unless you have the steadiest hands in the world or a tripod, it's really difficult to use."

Apple's senior director of iPhone product marketing Maxime Veron, who was also interviewed, added that the iPhone 15 Pro Max's 5x lens opens at ƒ/2.8, allowing for "excellent light management." By comparison, the Galaxy S23 Ultra's 10x lens has a ƒ/4.9 aperture. A lower aperture allows for more light to be captured by the camera's sensor, which can be especially beneficial for Night mode photos.

5x optical zoom is exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, with the iPhone 15 Pro remaining limited to 3x optical zoom. It has been rumored that Apple plans to expand the tetraprism lens system to both iPhone 16 Pro models next year.

McCormack and Veron discuss the latest camera innovations on all iPhone 15 models in more detail in the Numerama interview. The devices launch Friday.

Article Link: Apple Explains Why iPhone 15 Pro Max is Limited to 5x Optical Zoom

 

[alexandr]

I would be more curious to find out why 5x zoom is limited to the iPhone 15 Pro Max

 

[dannyyankou]

I get it, the further the optical zoom the harder it is to stabilize the shot. I think everyone knows that. But give us the option at least?

Actually maybe I'll take that back a bit. If it's 10x optical zoom and it's hard to get a stable shot, that means you won't be able to do 5x optical shots. 5x would basically be the main camera digitally zoomed until it gets to 10x. Maybe they could've added a 4th camera, but you don't want to add an extra camera for every level of optical zoom you want.

 

[mlrproducts]

I would be more curious to find out why 5x zoom is limited to the iPhone 15 Pro Max

That'd be the marketing dept

 

[Bigkool2inSC]

he left out......."and.. we have to save something for the 16 Pro Max.. so there's that.."

 

[Doomtomb]

They have to save something for iPhone Ultra

 

[Two Appleseeds]

Proceeds to implement 10x zoom on the 17 Ultra

 

[alexandr]

That'd be the marketing dept

Doubtful — it seems like they really dropped the ball with this year's model, so much that couldn't add the 5x zoom to the Pro model... I, personally, don't care as I moved up to the Pro Max model, but it's just an ****** thing to do imho — the Pro Max is bigger than some people want to hold/carry.

 

[MathersMahmood]

Don’t find it difficult on my S23 Ultra at all. That’s weird.

 

[jz0309]

Well, I have a 100-400 lens on my camera and you definitely need image stabilization for that when handholding, but, a 200gram smartphone, holding with both hands - that is just a lame excuse this guy is using… there is SO MUCH processing in every single shot …

 

[kingjames1970]

To be fair that sounds a fair compromise. Does sound very Apple-esque being more concerned about the experience for the less knowledgeable user (which is the vast majority who just want a simple point and shoot).

 

[Dave245]

Sorry but even as an Apple fan, I have to call BS on that. The 10x optical zoom is perfectly usable on the S23 Ultra I have used it myself. It’s only when going to the 100X that it can be very unstable and you simply tap the stabilisation window.

 

[Dulcimer]

Reminder that the term “optical zoom” is incorrect as the iPhone does not actually zoom in.

It has a 5x prime lens that it switches to when necessary. All the “zoom” levels between the 3 prime lenses are just cropping of the sensor area from one of the cameras. This means that trying to take, for instance, a 3x photo on an iPhone 15 Pro Max will result in worse image quality than on an iPhone 15 Pro since it has to use smaller sensor area of main 1x camera to take the picture.

 

[SAIRUS]

Until we figure it out for the next phone which by the way our team is usually ahead of by a cycle or two.

 

[jimbobb24]

Bravo to interviewer for good questions. But at same time … what do they expect answers to be. Ask Samsung … why are your phone so much slower and they will have a reasonable answer about their trade offs. Apple made some tradeoffs. But I like interviewers pointing the tradeoffs out.

 

[MrENGLISH]

I would be more curious to find out why 5x zoom is limited to the iPhone 15 Pro Max

I think that has more to do with supply constraints. I believe there is only one supplier for the tetraprism. So Apple had to make the decision to either delay it entirely or limit it to just one device. I'm sure the supply will improve by next year and the 16 Pro will have it or the next generation version.

 

[contacos]

Tell me you haven’t actually used a Samsung Galaxy Ultra without telling me you haven’t actually used one.

TLDR: we need to save something up for iPhone 17 after bringing 5x to the regular Pro next year

 

[alexandr]

I think that has more to do with supply constraints. I believe there is only one supplier for the tetraprism. So Apple had to make the decision to either delay it entirely or limit it to just one device. I'm sure the supply will improve by next year and the 16 Pro will have it or the next generation version.

Yes, I agree — this year's model is a big disappointment(imho). Especially if you don't want the Max model. I've never been happier skipping a model than this year.

 

[alexandr]

TLDR: we need to save something up for iPhone 17 after bringing 5x to the regular Pro next year

Sadly, that is very much what ends up happening.

 

[daveedjackson]

I find these interviews done with “marketing” are pointless. Why not actually speak with an imaging engineer or expert. There of course are reasons. We’d all listen and understand better with proper research based fact. Of course they won’t share everything publicly but these interviews are just marking bulls*%t. They know nothing about the actual technology or science behind it.

We’re not stupid a bigger zoom needs a steadier hand. Duh. I think folk are so fast to compare a camera to another manufacturer but there are huge differences of which maybe aren’t so noticeable on a phone screen. But I’ve read many times as soon as you put that image anywhere “other” the issues are obvious (in relation to the Samsung lens)

 

[AbSoluTc]

I would be more curious to find out why 5x zoom is limited to the iPhone 15 Pro Max

Yeah, curious about this as well. The phones are different sizes but other than that, the camera system (space wise) is identical. So why not include it? Perhaps its due to Apple pushing user to the Pro Max? Who knows

 

[SactoGuy18]

There are rumors that there will be a lot more internal space available on the iPhone 16 Pro models. Just that could make it possible for true periscope-style zoom lens system on the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max up to 10x zoom with F2.9 focal length.

 

[Lounge vibes 05]

I think it’s interesting that this started spreading as soon as the iPhone 15 series was announced…

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Might Come With a Camera Downgrade

Samsung might revamp the telephoto camera on the Galaxy S24 Ultra.

www.gadgets360.com

Would definitely be an interesting move, although not the first backtrack from Samsung.

 

[MrENGLISH]

There are rumors that there will be a lot more internal space available on the iPhone 16 Pro models. Just that could make it possible for true periscope-style zoom lens system on the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max up to 10x zoom with F2.9 focal length.

While I find the tetraprism to be an interesting work around, I would much prefer a periscope lens with up to 10x zoom. Hopefully someday.

 

[alexandr]

Yeah, curious about this as well. The phones are different sizes but other than that, the camera system (space wise) is identical. So why not include it? Perhaps its due to Apple pushing user to the Pro Max? Who knows

Yup. This has always infuriated me. I'm no longer affected, as I moved over to the Max model, but just the principal. Size is the ONLY thing that should change(and the battery, respectively).