NEWS  Apple  November 21, 2023  Reading time: ~1 minute)

Max (RS editor)

Both the upcoming iPhone 16 Pro and its larger counterpart, the iPhone 16 Pro Max, are set to feature Apple's revolutionary tetraprism Telephoto lens, boasting enhanced zoom capabilities.

Apple first unveiled its tetraprism lens system with the iPhone 15 Pro Max, introducing a game-changing 5x optical zoom. However, conspicuously absent from the ‌iPhone 15 Pro‌, this marked a departure from Apple's usual strategy of uniform camera technology across its Pro lineup.

Speculation surrounding this discrepancy suggested spatial constraints as a key factor, limiting the hardware integration to the Pro Max. Yet, the intrigue deepened with whispers of production yield challenges. Renowned analyst Kuo revealed that during the third quarter of 2023, Largan, the lens supplier, grappled with a mere 40 percent production yield for the tetraprism hardware. Fast forward, and the yield has witnessed a commendable surge, reaching 70 percent or more.

Apple's strategic response involves a shift in dimensions for the ‌iPhone 16‌ Pro, expanding the screen size from 6.1 to 6.3 inches. This alteration not only caters to a larger display but crucially accommodates the necessary space for advanced camera hardware. The combined effect of size augmentation and yield enhancement signifies Apple's decisive steps to surmount the obstacles that previously curtailed the tetraprism lens to the Pro Max variant.

The lingering question remains whether Apple harbors plans for further enhancements to the tetraprism lens in 2024. A tantalizing rumor hints at a prospective "super telephoto camera" with an extended focal length, yet details remain scant at this juncture, leaving enthusiasts eagerly anticipating Apple's next move in the realm of mobile photography innovation.

 [Cover image by Apple/Review Space]