As Apple gears up for the anticipated launch of the iPhone 16 series this fall, speculation surrounding the upcoming models continues to grow. Industry experts and insiders are sharing details about potential features, but few have as strong a track record as Ming-Chi Kuo. Known for his accurate Apple predictions, Kuo has outlined significant camera improvements not just for the iPhone 16 Pro but also for the iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone 18 Pro, and even the iPhone 19.
The iPhone 16 Pro to Inherit High-End Camera Technology
Apple appears to be making a substantial leap in camera technology for the iPhone 16 Pro. According to Kuo, this model will incorporate the advanced tetraprism lens that debuted in the iPhone 15 Pro Max. This means that, for the first time, both the standard Pro and the Pro Max variants will offer the same high-end zoom capabilities, allowing users to take sharper and more stable long-distance shots.
The tetraprism technology is Apple’s version of the periscope-style camera found in many premium Android devices. It uses a folded glass structure beneath the lens to reflect light rays multiple times, extending the optical path within a compact space. This design enhances zoom capabilities while maintaining image clarity. The iPhone 15 Pro Max currently delivers up to 5x optical zoom with this system, a significant improvement over the iPhone 15 Pro’s 3x zoom. With the iPhone 16 Pro adopting the same 12MP periscope telephoto sensor as the Pro Max, Apple is bringing powerful zoom capabilities to more users.
iPhone 17 Pro Max to Introduce 48MP Telephoto Sensor
Looking ahead to 2025, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is rumored to take another major step forward in camera technology. Kuo suggests that Apple will replace the current 12MP periscope telephoto sensor with a 48MP version, vastly improving photo quality and zoom functionality. While exact details remain scarce, this upgrade would likely enhance both optical and digital zoom capabilities, resulting in sharper and more detailed long-range shots.
One key question remains: Will the standard iPhone 17 Pro receive the same 48MP sensor, or will it retain the 12MP lens? Apple has traditionally reserved its most advanced camera features for the Pro Max models, so it is possible that the standard Pro model may see a more gradual upgrade.
Future iPhone Models to Continue Camera Innovations
Beyond the iPhone 17 series, Kuo’s predictions suggest that Apple will continue pushing the boundaries of mobile photography with the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 19. While specific details about these future models remain unclear, it is likely that Apple will refine its imaging technology, improving low-light performance, zoom range, and overall photo quality.
Apple’s approach to camera upgrades has always been methodical, ensuring that each new feature integrates seamlessly into the user experience. While competitors in the Android space have been utilizing periscope zoom technology for years, Apple’s adoption of the tetraprism system with the iPhone 15 Pro Max has already delivered impressive results. As the company extends this technology across more models and continues to refine it, iPhones are poised to remain at the forefront of smartphone photography.
