Apple iPhones: Details about the new phone cameras come to light

More and more details are already emerging about the next iPhone generation that Apple will launch in a few weeks. For example, more details about the improved camera equipment are currently emerging.

5x zoom for all pros

Apple will extend the Tetraprism telephoto lens, which was previously exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, to both iPhone 16 Pro models this year. A new report from South Korea says that Apple will initially use the same supplier as in 2023 for the required folding zoom modules. According to the South Korean publication The Elec LG Innotek will supply the components for the first batch of iPhone 16 Pro models, which are expected to go on sale on Friday, September 20. The telephoto camera features a folded glass structure below the lens, which Apple calls Tetraprism technology. This technology reflects light four times, achieving a longer focal length of 120mm. Both the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will be able to offer 5x optical zoom and 25x digital zoom in this way.

Apple also uses 3D sensor shift technology for optical image stabilization in the Pro Max’s telephoto lens. Since it can move in three directions, it provides twice as many micro-adjustments as before, which should ensure sharper photos, even at maximum zoom, where the quality often deteriorated significantly.

Sharp is out

Once the initial inventory of Tetraprism modules is exhausted, which is expected to happen in the fourth quarter, Apple will reportedly also bring in its secondary suppliers Foxconn and Cowell to manufacture the folding zoom modules to reduce costs. Meanwhile, Sharp is not expected to supply camera modules for the iPhones released this year.

The expansion of Tetraprism technology to more models underscores Apple’s efforts to further improve the photo and video quality of its Pro models and thus compete in the competitive smartphone market. With these innovations, Apple aims to meet the demands of photography enthusiasts and further improve the performance of its devices in areas such as zoom and image stabilization.