This year's iPhone 15 Pro Max features a tetra prism telephoto lens, which is distinct from the iPhone 15 Pro, and offers a 5x optical zoom, the longest on any iPhone to date. However, thanks to new details in a recent Apple supply chain report, it appears that next year's iPhone 16 Pro may adopt it.

This information is based on reports from component suppliers Lagan and LG Innotek. Both suppliers are seeing an increase in orders from Apple for 2024, particularly for the folding zoom actuator used in the tetaprism design. This information is consistent with prior predictions that the two models will include this feature.

Initially, the folding zoom component was primarily provided by LG Innotek. However, due to high demand, production delays were reported for the iPhone 15 Pro Max. According to The elec, Apple had previously approached several suppliers, but supply issues caused the production delays. They are now looking at LG Innotek as their main source of production and see them as a more stable option. Hopefully, the previous problems with production will not be repeated with the new phones, and quicker shipments will be achieved.

The question for potential buyers is what does this mean? The tetraprism lens works similar to a periscope. It uses a folded glass structure placed under the main camera lens to allow light to travel farther in the same space. This allows the camera to have a larger focal length than a normal model.

This is why the iPhone 15 Pro Max is unique in Apple's current lineup, and having a 5x optical zoom means even more utility. models with longer optical ranges, like the Galaxy S23 Ultra's 10x telephoto camera Even if there is one, the iPhone 15 Pro Max benefits from Apple's photonic engine, which enhances its performance in all lighting conditions.

However, this expansion comes at a price. Apple has solved this problem by incorporating optical image stabilization (OIS for short); OIS, combined with the 3D sensor and autofocus module, provides twice the micro-adjustments of previous models. For example, the iPhone 15 Pro max's OIS could move up to 10,000 times per second in multiple planes to cancel out user movement. Thus, photos taken at 5x zoom were still remarkably sharp and clear.

If this prediction is correct, the iPhone 16 Pro will have one of the largest focal lengths on the market, second only to the iPhone 16 Pro Max. It is also likely to have an improved version of OIS, which could produce very sharp images from any distance. iPhone 16 Pro will know more when it is released next year. These upgrades will certainly make a compelling case for being the best camera phone.

However, it will be interesting to see what the more powerful iPhone 16 Pro Max can do. Rumors suggest that an improved image stabilization program, perhaps with a 6x longer telephoto range, will likely allow it to produce even sharper images.