Apple recently unveiled the most awaited smartphone series of the year, the iPhone 15 series. The iPhone 15 series includes four smartphone models: iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and the high-end iPhone 15 Pro Max. While a tetraprism lens with up to 5x optical zoom is currently exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro Max smartphone model, this feature is expected to expand to both the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max next year, according to a well-renowned supply chain analyst.
In a medium post on September 18, supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said, “Both iPhone 16 Pro Max and the iPhone 16 Pro are expected to feature tetraprism telephoto cameras.”
Also read: Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max sees high demand, outpacing last model: Report
Kuo also mentioned that if Apple maintains the higher specification for the lens, it will likely raise the entry barrier for Genius, Apple’s second-largest lens supplier, next year.
“It suggests that Largan is more likely to maintain its exclusive or primary supplier status for the tetraprism lens next year,” he added.
Also read: Apple iPhone 15 Series: What You Need to Know Before You Buy
According to a report by MacRumors, the iPhone 16 Pro model is expected to feature a larger 6.3-inch display. The current iPhone 15 Pro features a 6.1-inch display. This change will likely help to provide additional internal space for a tetraprism lens.
On September 17, while sharing thoughts on the iPhone 15 series’ first weekend pre-order, Kuo claimed that the demand for the iPhone 15 Pro Max “is robust”, outpacing last year’s iPhone 14 Pro Max smartphone model. He also said that demand for the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus is “roughly on par with last year.”
Moreover, the demand for the iPhone 15 Pro is lower as compared to last year, with one possible reason being a shift of more premium users to the iPhone 15 Pro Max this year. According to Kuo, wait times for the iPhone 15 Pro Max are significantly longer than for other models, but not just due to high demand.