Apple enthusiasts have much to look forward to as the iPhone 16 Pro is set to launch this year. This release marks a significant milestone for Apple’s smaller smartphones, as it will feature a powerful 5x telephoto camera, previously exclusive to the larger Pro Max models.
iPhone 16 Pro to Feature Pro Max-Level Zoom Camera
Fans of Apple’s compact phones have been eagerly awaiting an upgrade in camera technology. This September, Apple is expected to equip the iPhone 16 Pro with a 5x tetraprism telephoto lens. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, this enhancement will align the iPhone 16 Pro’s zoom capabilities with those of the current iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Future iPhone Zoom Capabilities: What to Expect
Kuo’s report also indicates that Apple has even more impressive zoom capabilities planned for future iPhone generations. By 2027, the anticipated iPhone 19 range is expected to feature new camera designs that may first appear in the larger Pro Max models, potentially re-establishing significant differences between the Pro and Pro Max cameras.
iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro—Expected Camera Quality Upgrade
Beginning with the iPhone 17 Pro, Apple’s flagship is said to feature a new 48-megapixel tetraprism-based camera with a larger 1/2.6-inch sensor, an upgrade from the 1/3.1-inch sensor expected in the iPhone 16 Pro series. Additionally, the new design will include prisms with a shorter form factor, reducing the camera’s thickness.
Enhanced Digital Zoom and Low-Light Performance
The larger sensor size is predicted to improve the camera’s light-gathering capability by approximately 40%, enhancing low-light performance and reducing photo graininess. The upgrade from 12 to 48 megapixels will significantly boost detail and digital zoom capabilities. This new 48-megapixel sensor will also enable the iPhone 16 series to capture videos in 8K quality at 5x optical zoom, a feature already available on Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Availability of the New 48-Megapixel Camera
It remains uncertain whether the new 48-megapixel tetraprism camera will be available in both iPhone 17 Pro models or exclusively in the iPhone 17 Pro Max. However, Kuo anticipates this advanced camera to be featured in both the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max by 2026.
The upcoming launch of the iPhone 16 Pro represents a significant leap in camera technology for Apple’s smaller smartphones, promising users a more powerful photography experience. With even more advanced features planned for future releases, Apple continues to push the boundaries of smartphone camera innovation.