Both iPhone 16 Pro models to utilize 5x telephoto camera

We’re still far from Apple’s event in fall 2024. But more rumors about the company’s iPhone 16 series are popping up each day. The latest rumors suggest that Apple wants to bring the 5x telephoto camera to its latest Pro series iPhones. The camera was previously available only in the company’s Pro Max lineup.

With the launch of the iPhone 15 series, Apple ditched the 3x telephoto sensor and added a brand-new 5x telephoto camera to the iPhone 15 Pro Max. As the most high-end iPhone in Apple’s showcase, it was predictable that the 15 Pro Max would get the best camera setup.

Meanwhile, TrendForce suggests that Apple aims to bring an “advanced hardware upgrade” to the iPhone 16 Pro. This means the company plans to offer the 5x telephoto camera to the Pro users. “Following the successful launch of the iPhone 15 Pro Max with its exclusive Tetraprism telephoto zoom lens, the industry is expected to see an increase in the adoption of periscopic lens modules,” TrendForce noted. This is also not the first time we’re hearing this info.

Both iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max feature 5x optical zoom

Moving away the 5x telephoto camera from the Pro Max lineup is certainly a welcome addition to Apple’s upcoming products. However, Apple might need more distinguishing points between the Pro Max and the Pro lineup other than a bigger battery and larger screen. Two color options of the iPhone 16 series were also previously leaked.

The famous Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has also leaked more details about the iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 cameras. As per Kuo, the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will feature 48MP ultrawide cameras. This could be a great leap for iPhones, considering the current iPhone 15 series uses a 12MP ultrawide sensor.

As for the selfie camera of iPhone 17, Kuo says a front camera with 24MP resolution and a 6P lens design is plausible.

What gives us more assurance that Apple will bring 5x optical zoom to the iPhone 16 Pro is that the phone is rumored to feature a 6.3-inch display. A larger screen means the overall design has to be larger. Thus, more space for a new optical zoom will be available.