The iPhone will adopt what is called a “periscope” lens camera system starting with the iPhone 15, but it will only be available in the top-end flagship model through the iPhone 16.
A periscope lens is a type of compact zoom system that uses a set of prisms to “bend” light to compress the redirection of optics to use the width of a smartphone instead of its depth. Currently, Apple’s camera designs use a standard stacked optical lens system that sits directly in front of a sensor, but moving to a periscope system could dramatically improve the quality of telephoto photos by giving the much more space to operate.
Below is an image of a Sony smartphone that uses both types of optical arrangements. The top three cameras use a traditional lens array while the bottom system shows how a periscope camera works.
Previous reports from respected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo indicated that Apple would integrate a periscope system into the iPhone 15, with plans to make the system more widespread by the iPhone 16. Kuo is a well-known analyst whose the predictions are considered some of the most accurate in the industry.
Kuo has changed his expectations now, and while he still expects Apple to introduce the periscope lens system in the iPhone 15, the company won’t make it available on any model except the products. most expensive flagships of the iPhone 15 or iPhone 16 ranges.
“As previously expected, the top-end model of the new iPhone 15 2023 model (15 Pro Max or 15 Ultra) will adopt the periscope camera. The market expected that the addition of periscope cameras to more iPhone models is driving demand for lens upgrades in 2023-2024,” Kuo said. on Twitter.
“But my latest survey indicates that only one/2H24 new top-end iPhone 16 model will have the periscope camera, not the two models expected by the market.”
It’s not particularly unusual to hear that Apple would reserve a major camera upgrade for a smartphone within the first year of its introduction, but extending it to a total of two years is somewhat noticeable. Speculation is that Apple plans to increase demand for a new premium smartphone with this strategy, as those who could have waited for an iPhone 16 upgrade may have to wait another year to get the top of the line. range. Technology. Many of those buyers are most likely currently using older models than the newest offerings in 2023, so Apple probably thinks they wouldn’t be willing to wait three more years before upgrading their phones and “biting the bullet” earlier, so to speak.