It’s been relatively quiet on the iPhone 16 leaks of late, but a new rumor coming from within Apple’s supply chain confirms something we’ve been hearing for a while: that the iPhone 16 Pro will feature a 5x optical zoom camera like the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
This comes from NumberTimes in Asia (via 9to5Mac), which reports that several major suppliers have received more orders for Apple’s iPhone tetraprism periscope lenses, the lenses that can provide more depth while still fitting into a super-slim smartphone.
Last year, as you’ll see in our iPhone 15 Pro Max review, this particular lens was exclusive to the most expensive model, with the iPhone 15 Pro missing out. The smaller handset is equipped with a 3x optical zoom camera sensor.
It would make sense for both Pro-level iPhones to have the same camera array, giving buyers an immediate choice between the two sizes (and prices). It’s looking increasingly likely that will happen in 2024, but nothing is set in stone yet.
Even more upgrades?
The report suggests that these new camera lenses are the same ones we saw on the iPhone 15 Pro Max, rather than new and improved lenses with the same zoom capability. So the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s camera setup could be the same as its predecessor.
However, there is also talk of an upgrade to the main camera and the ultra-wide camera on the iPhone 16 Pro Max. There are three cameras on the back of both the Pro and Pro Max models in Apple’s iPhone lineup.
Last year, we saw a rumor that the iPhone 16 Pro Max would up the ante to 10x optical zoom, but that now seems less likely. The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra also offers 5x optical zoom, for comparison.
There will undoubtedly be more rumors and leaks between now and September, when the 2024 iPhones are scheduled to debut. In the meantime, keep your eyes peeled for new foldable phones from Samsung and new Pixels from Google.