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The iPhone 15 is already talking about him! More particularly the photo module of the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which could be equipped with a new sensor to offer a more convincing zoom. A point on which the competition already has a head start.
The iPhone 14 are not yet officially announced that we are already talking about the iPhone 15. More particularly of the “Pro Max” model which according to analyst Ming-Chi-Kuo could benefit from a major advance on the photographic level.
A periscope lens for the iPhone 15 Pro Max
You are not dreaming, we are already talking about the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which will logically be released in 2023. The famous analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who is not at his first attempt, reveals that the highest model Apple’s range (and expensive) will be the only one to take advantage of a periscopic lens to offer better optical zoom.
Unlike a telephoto lens, periscopic lenses rely on a prism that reflects light off several other internal lenses at 90 degrees, back to the camera sensor. This technology allows a longer focal length which results in a better quality zoom.
As a reminder, the iPhone 13 Pro simply have x3 optical zoom and x15 digital zoom. For comparison, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, which already has a periscopic zoom, is able to zoom x10 in optical and up to x100 in digital. Recently, Sony also hit hard with its Xperia 1 IV which offers a “real” periscopic zoom that allows you to “navigate” between 85 mm to 125 mm for even more versatility in shots.
The camera lens of the iPhone 15 Pro Max might not be as advanced, however. We are talking here about a sensor with a size of 1/3 ” with a definition of 12 megapixels and an aperture f / 2.8, for an optical zoom of up to x5 or x6.
Towards more fragmentation in the iPhone range
As you have guessed, not all iPhone 15s will benefit from it… If the iPhone 15 Pro Max could have this periscopic zoom from 2023, this will not be the case for the other models presented this same year. Indeed, Kuo affirms that it will be necessary to wait until 2024 and the iPhone 16 Pro to see the periscopic lens arrive on a model other than the “Pro Max”. Cheaper models wouldn’t benefit either. The iPhone 16 Pro would then have a periscope similar to that of the iPhone 15 Pro Max (still following?). The iPhone 16 Pro Max could logically go a little further.
It wouldn’t be the first time that Apple reserves the best technologies for its more expensive model. The iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max with the same photo configuration are an exception today. Indeed, we remember the iPhone 12 Pro Max which was the only model to benefit from a larger sensor, with better stabilization and an x2.5 optical zoom.
The photo module should not be the only distinctive point between the next iPhone models. Rumors more than insistent evoke iPhone 14 which would not all benefit from the new A16 chip from Apple. With the cost of components increasing, it seems logical that the Apple brand reserve its best technologies for the most expensive model in the range. The iPhone 13 Pro Max is today sold from 1259 €. A price that could increase for the iPhone 14 range.
Ming Chi Kuo