We're already hearing rumors regarding the iPhone models for 2023, even though Apple hasn't even released the iPhone 14 yet. Right now, a periscope lens for superior optical zoom is the most frequently touted feature in rumors. Analysts had assumed that this technology would be limited to the 2023 Pro versions, but according to Ming-Chi Kuo, the new lens will only Apple available on the larger iPhone 15 Pro Max.
For those who are unaware, periscope lenses work by reflecting light through a prism and a series of internal lenses at an angle of 90 degrees to the camera sensor. This makes it possible for the lens to be much longer than a telephoto lens, leading to a significantly improved optical zoom.
The iPhone 13 Pro models' telephoto lens only provides 3x optical zoom and 15x digital zoom. A periscope lens on Samsung's Galaxy S22 Ultra, meanwhile, already allows for 10x optical magnification and up to 100x digital zoom. Although there are rumors that Apple wants to add a periscope lens to the iPhone, it appears that the function will be less versatile than anticipated.
This is so that the smaller iPhone 15 Pro will continue to have the conventional telephoto lens for optical zoom while the larger and more expensive iPhone 15 Pro Max will only have the new periscope lens accessible. According to the analyst, the 1/3" sensor will include a 12-megapixel resolution, an f/2.8 aperture, sensor-shift stabilization, and up to 6x optical zoom.
Since both the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will have this technology, those who prefer smaller phones will have Apple wait until 2024 to get their hands on an iPhone with a periscope lens. Unsurprisingly, a periscope lens will not be included in the midrange iPhone 15 and 16 models.
If the reports are accurate, this wouldn't be the first time Apple had some functions blocked for the more expensive iPhone Pro Max.
The only model with a bigger sensor in the wide lens and sensor-shift stabilization was the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
