Kuo: Periscope Camera Lens Will Remain Limited to iPhone 16 Pro Max Model in 2024

[MacRumors]

The 2024 iPhone 16 Pro Max (or Ultra should Apple change the iPhone naming scheme) will continue to be the only iPhone model that will get a higher-end, upgraded periscope camera with new zoom capabilities next year, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

As has been previously rumored several times, Apple this year will limit periscope lens technology to the larger iPhone 15 Pro Max, perhaps because of the space that the hardware requires. Keeping the periscope lens exclusive to the iPhone 16 Pro Max as well will see Apple breaking a tradition that often sees new features introduced as exclusives for one iPhone and then later expanded to additional iPhone models when next-generation devices release.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1620469615964061696

Kuo's information contradicts a recent report from The Elec, which said that a "Folded Zoom" periscope lens would be available in both the iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max next year.

With a periscope lens, light is reflected by an angled mirror toward the image sensor in the camera. The directional shift allows for a "folded" telephoto lens system for improved optical zoom capabilities without the blurriness that comes with digital zoom.

Periscope lens technology is already used by Apple's competitors like Samsung, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max could feature up to 6x optical zoom, an improvement over the current 3x optical zoom in the iPhone 14 Pro models.

For the last few years, the Pro and Pro Max iPhones have offered similar features, and battery life has been the main distinguishing feature between the devices aside from display size. Limiting periscope zoom technology to the Pro Max will likely frustrate those who like to have the latest technology but who do not care for the larger 6.7-inch size.

As Apple is adding more features to the larger 6.7-inch iPhone 15 "Pro Max," there are rumors that it could instead be called the iPhone 15 Ultra, similar to the Apple Watch Ultra.

Article Link: Kuo: Periscope Camera Lens Will Remain Limited to iPhone 16 Pro Max Model in 2024

 

[BC2009]

Gotta love how we are making predictions on features exclusive to the iPhone 16 Pro Max that are not yet even released in the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Why this rumor matters when it is 20 months away eludes me.

 

[andrewxgx]

unless this is purely size thing (ie. cant fit the damn thing into smaller phone), this is absolute BS
i want the best camera possible in portable format - max is too large

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

Makes sense. It should only remain in the Pro line up to differentiate the dollar iPhone.

 

[Scipster]

I would prefer the Pro Max Ultra. Sounds way cooler. And big enough to stuff in a periscope lens that's apparently too large for its smaller siblings. Not sure how the other companies do it?

 

[ss2cire]

gees, can we stop with the 16 predictions already? we haven't gotten the 15 yet!

 

[erikkfi]

So only people who want a 9-ounce iPhone will be able to enjoy the most compelling new features in the future. Got it.

 

[ThisBougieLife]

Not a big fan of bigger phones getting extra features and Apple has a mixed record on it, but hopefully they will improve the technology to the point that it can be included in the smaller non-Max Pro.

 

[contacos]

iPhone desperately needs better zoom! I wouldn’t buy it but the Galaxy puts the iPhone 14 Pro zoom to shame and even the zoom you do get makes the photos almost unusable with all the grain

 

[now i see it]

poor Ming

 

[vegetassj4]

I found this left in Gourmet Haus Staudt. Looks like some sort of prototype.

 

[jz0309]

2024 rumors are easier to retract from than 2023 ones, we seem to be getting much more of those lately which at least indicates for me that he doesn’t have a handle on his supply chain sources anymore…
But, periscope lens and USB-C will make me get the 15

 

[AirunJae]

unless this is purely size thing (ie. cant fit the damn thing into smaller phone), this is absolute BS
i want the best camera possible in portable format - max is too large

My guess is that it's a production numbers thing, ie they need time to ramp up to producing it for both models.

 

[ediks]

Makes sense. It should only remain in the Pro line up to differentiate the dollar iPhone.

The smaller Pro is still Pro, it should get it too then

 

[e-coli]

Did anybody predict the iPhone 14 Pro would be a buggy disaster, likely due to a chip design flaw and a rushed fix? Nope.

Hard to tell this far out what’s going to materialize.

 

[JackNL]

Did anybody predict the iPhone 14 Pro would be a buggy disaster, likely due to a chip design flaw and a rushed fix? Nope.

Hard to tell this far out what’s going to materialize.

Buggy disaster? Mine is running just fine, what are the issues?

 

[msackey]

unless this is purely size thing (ie. cant fit the damn thing into smaller phone), this is absolute BS
i want the best camera possible in portable format - max is too large

For me too, the Max format is too large. The current Pro format is just about ideal or perhaps about as big as I'd want a mobile phone to go.

 

[oofio2461]

The same was said about the 15 PM, 14 PM, 13 PM, 12 PM, 11 PM..

 

[tgwaste]

Makes sense. It should only remain in the Pro line up to differentiate the dollar iPhone.

But its not remaining in the pro line-up. Its in the pro MAX line-up. Which would be dumb. My pro phone should have all the pro features.

 

[sigmasirrus]

I just want a pro mini with a periscope lens.

 

[Jason2000]

Buggy disaster? Mine is running just fine, what are the issues?

Mine is running fine too.

 

[redbeard331]

Man if they show up years late with a periscope lens and it’s only 6x I’m buying a nothing phone.

 

[ackmondual]

Not a big fan of bigger phones getting extra features and Apple has a mixed record on it, but hopefully they will improve the technology to the point that it can be included in the smaller non-Max Pro.

I'm conflicted. O1H, it is kinda annoying they do this. OTOH, if cheaper phones also had these features, then they probably wouldn't be that cheap anymore, and I'd be paying extra $$ for features I could honestly do without.

 

[ahostmadsen]

If true, yet another year I will skip upgrading. I will only upgrade for a better camera, but no way do I want the giant phone.

 

[salz4life]

But what about the iPhone 17 Super Max Pro Ultra?