iPhone 16 Pro expected to get Pro Max's Tetraprism lens

The cameras of the iPhone 15 Pro Max

The iPhone 15 Pro Max is the only model in the range to include a Tetraprism lens, which helps increase the optical zoom range of the telephoto lens from 3x to 5x. Though the iPhone 15 Pro missed out, the iPhone 16 Pro may join the Pro Max in using the component.

In a report discussing the smartphone camera lens market seen by AppleInsider, Trendforce claims that camera specification upgrades are continuing to drive device upgrades among consumers.

After the good reception of the iPhone 15 Pro Max and its Tetraprism telephoto lens, industry sources expect there will be an increase in the use of periscopic lens modules in response.

For Apple specifically, Trendforce believes that the camera technology will spread from the iPhone 16 Pro Max to the iPhone 16 Pro, making it a feature for the entire Pro series.

This is not the first time there has been claims about a Tetraprism expansion. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has repeatedly claimed since September that both iPhone 16 Pro models will use the same Tetraprism lens, with other reports corroborating the rumor.

The use of Tetraprism by Apple could influence the rest of the market, though cost considerations will cause Android smartphone vendors to more segment their offerings.

For mid-range devices, a cost-effective fixed-focus or single-fold periscope system is expected to be popular. High-end clustering inner-focus modules or similar complex versions are anticipated for high-end modules.