This year, Apple will bring the Tetraprism Telephoto lens that had been an iPhone 15 Pro Max-only feature to both the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. Now, a new report out of Korea claims Apple will use the same supplier they used in 2023 for the Tetraprism Telephoto lens required folded zoom modules.
According to a report by The Elec, LG Innotek will provide the modules for the initial stock of iPhone 16 Pro models, which are expected to launch on Friday, September 20.
Apple debuted its new tetraprism lens system alongside the iPhone 15 Pro Max, enabling 5x optical zoom for the first time. The new lens system was limited to the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The tech was not used in the iPhone 15 Pro, likely due to space constraints and possibly a lower-than-expected production yield for the new lens system.
Apple’s Tetraprism technology reflects light four times over, allowing for a longer focal length of 120mm. The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will both offer 5x optical zoom and 25x digital zoom. The telephoto lens in the camera system offers 3D sensor-shift optical image stabilization, moving in three directions, and delivering twice as many micro-adjustments as before for crisp photos even when zoomed all the way in.
Apple is also reportedly planning to use secondary vendors, Foxconn and Cowell, to drive down costs. Sharp is not expected to provide any camera modules this model year.
