iPhone 15 Pro Max Expected to Feature 5-6x Optical Zoom [Updated]

[MacRumors]

While the iPhone currently maxes out at 3x optical zoom, rumors suggest that will change this year. The next-generation iPhone 15 Pro Max is widely expected to feature a so-called "periscope lens" that would allow for up to double the optical zoom.

In July 2022, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said a periscope lens would be exclusive to the high-end iPhone 15 Pro Max and enable 5-6x optical zoom. Periscope technology would be built into the Telephoto lens and allow for up to 6x zoom when shooting photos with the rear camera, without any blurriness or reduction in image quality.

With a periscope lens, light absorbed by the image sensor is bent or "folded," allowing for a greater distance between the camera elements within the compact design of a smartphone. This technology allows for increased optical zoom and is already used by some Android brands like Samsung, Google, and Huawei, with phones like the Pixel 7 Pro and Galaxy S23 Ultra offering between 5x and 10x optical zoom.

5-6x optical zoom would be a significant camera upgrade for the iPhone. Following the iPhone 15 Pro Max, Kuo said the periscope lens would remain limited to the iPhone 16 Pro Max next year, meaning that the technology would only be available on the most expensive iPhone model for at least the next two generations of devices.

Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 15 lineup in September. For more details, read our guide about iPhone periscope lens rumors.

Update: We have confirmed that Kuo still expects the iPhone 15 Pro Max to have around 5x optical zoom, as he first predicted in July 2022.

Article Link: iPhone 15 Pro Max Expected to Feature 5-6x Optical Zoom [Updated]

 

[MayaUser]

Brilliant, almost a true optical zoom with periscope lens

 

[Realityck]

Only the Pro Max, thats a limitation.

 

[Love-hate 🍏 relationship]

about time

too bad the smaller pro won't get it . physical constraints perhaps ? not sure

 

[seat_hydrant]

Usually I'd moan at the fact that they restrict high-end features on larger phones cause I think there's a huge customer base who want the top-tier phone in a small package.

But this feature looks like it'll take up so much room in the device, I can't really fault them.

 

[Jaro65]

Probably the reason why I'll upgrade to the 15 Pro Max.

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

I don't mind it's just going to be a Pro Max feature. It needs to stay exclusive based on what we pay for the Pro Max models. Perhaps, change the Pro Max model to iPhone Ultra.

 

[nutmac]

Apple should use this opportunity to change the awkward "Pro Max" designation to "Ultra".

 

[Mr. Dee]

I am likely gonna max out my iPhone X and just wait until the iPhone 17 Pro Max in 2025.

 

[DocMultimedia]

So disappointed that this will only be for the Pro Max and not the Pro. I just can't deal with having something the size of a brick in my pocket. Won't be upgrading in this one. Think I've upgraded every year but one since I bought my first.

 

[madmin]

iPhone Ultra periscope

 

[MayaUser]

Only the Pro Max, thats a limitation.

i hope not ,since periscope lens are on vertical ...so i dont see Apple make the pro max even thicker than the normal Pro

 

[MayaUser]

about time

too bad the smaller pro won't get it . physical constraints perhaps ? not sure

why? just make both iphones pro the same thickness

 

[Havoc035]

This sounds great but I want it in the Pro too.

 

[hch720]

I am likely gonna max out my iPhone X and just wait until the iPhone 17 Pro Max in 2025.

At that point, just hold out for 2 more years till 2027 for the iPhone XX

 

[mnsportsgeek]

That’s the feature I passed on the 14 for. So many times I wish I could zoom further. 6x optical will be great.

 

[Mr. Dee]

At that point, just hold out for 2 more years till 2027 for the iPhone XX

Well, if Apple is supporting the device with updates, why not?

 

[Cromulent]

I plan on getting the 15 Pro Max anyway, but this will be a nice addition, even if I'm not that into photos.

 

[antiprotest]

What, no 100x zoom with moon overlay?

 

[fede777]

It should come with an AI for Mars pics.

 

[CharlesShaw]

i hope not ,since periscope lens are on vertical ...so i dont see Apple make the pro max even thicker than the normal Pro

Yeah, at this rate, we’ll be choosing to instead carry our lighter and smaller DSLR.

 

[szw-mapple fan]

why? just make both iphones pro the same thickness

I think they mean vertical space constraint.

 

[kalafalas]

My uneducated guess:

The 3x on both pro models will become a 5x optical lens, now that the main sensor can take care of the 2x natively for portraits.

The newly introduced untra model will also have a periscope lens, capable of 10x optical

 

[capamac]

The Galaxy S22 Ultra periscope lens has an aperture of f/4.9. It's a dark, dark lens. Will be similarly dark in an iPhone.

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G - Full phone specifications

www.gsmarena.com

f/4.9 on a phone is akin to f/29 on a DSLR.

Think full daylight photography _only_ with a lens like that.

Only way to resolve that problem would be to make the phone like an inch or two thick.

 

[sigmasirrus]

If they made a pro mini I’d buy it in a heartbeat. Idk when they always put the best stuff in the obnoxiously huge phones.