Both iPhone 16 Pro Models to Use Telephoto Lens From Same Supplier

[MacRumors]

This year, Apple will bring the Tetraprism Telephoto lens that was exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro Max to both iPhone 16 Pro models, and a new report out of Korea claims that Apple will initially rely on the same supplier as it did in 2023 for the required folded zoom modules.

According to The Elec, LG Innotek will provide the modules for the initial stock of iPhone 16 Pro models, which are expected to launch on Friday, September 20. The telephoto camera has a folded glass structure below the lens, which Apple refers to as Tetraprism technology. It reflects light four times over, allowing for a longer focal length of 120mm. The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will both offer 5x optical zoom and 25x digital zoom.

Apple uses 3D sensor-shift optical image stabilization for the Telephoto lens in the Pro Max, and because it is able to move in three directions, it delivers twice as many micro-adjustments as before for crisp photos even when zoomed all the way in.

When initial stock is spent, which is expected to be around the fourth quarter, Apple will reportedly use its secondary vendors Foxconn and Cowell to manufacture the folded zoom module as well to drive down costs. Meanwhile, Sharp is not expected to supply any camera modules for any iPhones launching the year.

Article Link: Both iPhone 16 Pro Models to Use Telephoto Lens From Same Supplier

 

[Canubis]

I guess it should read "5x optical zoom and 25x digital zoom" right?
The idea of this extra lens is to get 5x zoom without upscaling/cropping into an image to reach that result, right?

 

[Motawa]

So this confirms no 10x

 

[Sophisticatednut]

I guess it should read "5x optical zoom and 25x digital zoom" right?
The idea of this extra lens is to get 5x zoom without upscaling/cropping into an image to reach that result, right?

Well if if the Samsung version is anything to go by we should expect 10x optical magnification (not digital). And probably a 30x and 100x digital magnification unless Apple decides something else.

 

[timmyh]

I guess it should read "5x optical zoom and 25x digital zoom" right?
The idea of this extra lens is to get 5x zoom without upscaling/cropping into an image to reach that result, right?

Thanks. Fixed.

 

[redbeard331]

I want 1000x optical zoom.

 

[cdsapplefan]

Well if if the Samsung version is anything to go by we should expect 10x optical magnification (not digital). And probably a 30x and 100x digital magnification unless Apple decides something else.

With the new DSLR capture button and more internal space at 6.9 inches I would expect the iPhone 16 pro max version to get at least 10x but we will find out Soon on September 10th what Apple Plans are

 

[cdsapplefan]

So this confirms no 10x

10x should be on the pro max version to differentiate it from non-max version. The regular 16 pro is getting the same 5x from the iPhone 15 pro max last year

 

[wbeasley]

I want 1000x optical zoom.

your wish is our command...

 

[iBreatheApple]

your wish is our command...

If you can hold it still well enough to even capture what you’re trying to capture.

 

[ChrisMac47]

The diagram in the article is incorrect, I believe. The "Tetraprism" is a solid structure and is not a set of lenses with prisms each end, as in the diagram. See this article about the Apple patent.

https://www.patentlyapple.com/2023/10/apple-was-granted-a-patent-for-their-new-tetraprism-folded-telephoto-camera-for-iphone-15-pro-max.html

 

[wbeasley]

If you can hold it still well enough to even capture what you’re trying to capture.

yeah people forget that. it's almost impossible to hold still even 64x zoom

 

[contacos]

10x should be on the pro max version to differentiate it from non-max version. The regular 16 pro is getting the same 5x from the iPhone 15 pro max last year

This year is the Non-Max catch up year. They will save this for next year

 

[coffeemilktea]

Apple uses 3D sensor-shift optical image stabilization for the Telephoto lens in the Pro Max, and because it is able to move in three directions, it delivers twice as many micro-adjustments as before for crisp photos even when zoomed all the way in.

Taking pictures of all the stray cats in my neighborhood is going to look so good now. 😻

 

[Robert.Walter]

4th calendar or apple business quarter?

They are not the same.

 

[UliBaer]

your wish is our command...

Well, that is digital zoom, not optical zoom!

BTW: Nice shot of Putin!

 

[DocMultimedia]

10x should be on the pro max version to differentiate it from non-max version. The regular 16 pro is getting the same 5x from the iPhone 15 pro max last year

The Pro versions should all have the same features. Otherwise the four versions should be called Max Pro, Semi-pro Standard, Max, and Standard. And I guess that other iPhone (SE?) could just be called Small.

 

[citysnaps]

Coming from using dSLRs and mirrorless cameras for years, I've found every iPhone since the X to be a delight for making the kind of photographs I like to make. Every year they get a little better in ways that are noticeable. And for me are worth the upgrade.

I expect the 16 to be no different.

 

[Lvmyiphone]

They should be upgrading the main camera on the 16 promax with a better sensor, etc. seems like they’re just upgrading the ultra wide lens and the telephoto lens. I care more about the main camera.

 

[MacLoveMacHate]

The Pro versions should all have the same features. Otherwise the four versions should be called Max Pro, Semi-pro Standard, Max, and Standard. And I guess that other iPhone (SE?) could just be called Small.

"Semi pro"—would love to see Apple steaming over this

 

[cdsapplefan]

The Pro versions should all have the same features. Otherwise the four versions should be called Max Pro, Semi-pro Standard, Max, and Standard. And I guess that other iPhone (SE?) could just be called Small.

Well Apple has shareholders and likes to differentiate and upsell

 

[cdsapplefan]

This year is the Non-Max catch up year. They will save this for next year

Apple will still have some Camera feature on the Pro Max version to differentiate it from the non-max version though. 10x zoom, bigger sensor or stacked camera to differentiate it from the Non-max version

 

[Lvmyiphone]

Apple will still have some Camera feature on the Pro Max version to differentiate it from the non-max version though. 10x zoom, bigger sensor or stacked camera to differentiate it from the Non-max version

They should be upgrading the main camera on the 16 promax with a better sensor, etc. seems like they’re just upgrading the ultra wide lens and the telephoto lens. I care more about the main camera

 

[macfacts]

your wish is our command...

He asked for optical zoom, not digital zoom.

 

[citysnaps]

Apple will still have some Camera feature on the Pro Max version to differentiate it from the non-max version though. 10x zoom, bigger sensor or stacked camera to differentiate it from the Non-max version

And a greater 14-bit A/D resolution reading out the sensor, which ideally can distinguish between more subtle variations in light. A plus for image quality.