Apple analyst Ming-chi Kuo predicts that the iPhone 16 Pro will feature a periscope lens, thanks to improved manufacturing yields by Largan, the supplier of the tetraprism lens assembly. Kuo previously suggested this in March and reiterated it recently, stating that both the Pro Max and smaller Pro models will have the periscope lens in 2024. Largan's improved yield rates of 70% or more will make the lens assembly profitable and contribute to Apple's growth in iPhones with this camera in 2024. However, while Kuo's track record is generally accurate, some of his recent predictions have been speculative, so further corroboration is needed.
A reliable leaker on Weibo has revealed camera specs for the upcoming OnePlus 12 flagship phone. The device is expected to feature a slightly larger main camera than its predecessor, along with a 3X 64MP periscope camera. This follows the trend of other brands offering high-resolution sensors paired with 3X or 3.5X periscope lenses. The leaks also suggest that the OnePlus 12 will be available in a white variant with a glossy glass back.
Apple's upcoming iPhone 15 Pro Max is expected to account for up to 40% of early iPhone 15 sales, despite production constraints and its high price tag. The company's optimism is attributed to the periscope lens, which is exclusive to the Pro Max model. Additionally, a new iPhone model, likely the base-level iPhone 15, has been registered in India's regulatory database. The leaks suggest that the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus will be similar to the iPhone 14 Pro models, but with some upgrades. Apple has also announced an event on September 12 to unveil the iPhone 15 range.
Ming-Chi Kuo, a reliable analyst, predicts that the periscope lens will be the standout feature of the iPhone 15 Pro Max, offering a significant improvement in optical zoom capabilities. The lens, folded inside the phone's body, directs light to the image sensor through prisms, extending the focal length. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is expected to have a 6x optical zoom, compared to the current 3x on the iPhone 14 Pro Max. Kuo also forecasts a 70% increase in shipments of iPhone periscope lenses in the second half of 2024. Largan, the sole supplier of the periscope lens, is expected to benefit from this trend.
Apple's upcoming iPhone 15 Pro Max is expected to account for 35-40% of all early iPhone 15 sales, despite production constraints and its high price tag. The model's periscope lens, which is exclusive to the Pro Max variant, is believed to be a major selling point. Additionally, a new iPhone model, likely the base-level iPhone 15, has been registered in India's regulatory database. The leaks suggest that the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro Max will have notable differences, including a next-gen chipset and thinner bezels.
Apple is expecting the iPhone 15 Pro Max, the most expensive model in the iPhone 15 series, to account for 35-40% of initial shipments. The Pro Max model will feature a periscope lens camera, allowing for higher optical zoom, and will be exclusive to this model before expanding to the smaller iPhone 16 Pro next year. The periscope lens is expected to increase the cost of the Pro models by at least $100 compared to the current lineup.
Designer Antonio De Rosa has created a concept iPhone model called the iPhone Vision, featuring a waterfall display, Space Audio for surround sound, a Liquid Lens camera system with a periscope lens, a "Back Screen" for notifications, and powered by Apple's M2 and R1 chips. The device would have a USB-C port, support 30W MagSafe charging, solid-state buttons with haptic feedback, and lay flat with bumps on the rear panel. It would use an eSIM, have a peak brightness of 2200 nits, and a battery that lasts all day. The concept price is $1,599 or 24 monthly payments of $73.29.
Apple is reportedly planning to increase the starting price of the iPhone Pro Max for the first time since its release in 2018. Analyst Jeff Pu predicts that the upcoming iPhone 15 Pro Max will feature a periscope lens, offering an optical zoom of up to 6x. Apple is confident in strong demand for the iPhone 15 series, with 84 million units expected to be manufactured in the second half of this year. The iPhone 16 line, expected in 2024, may introduce new "metalens" technology for the proximity sensor and support Wi-Fi 7. The entire iPhone 15 line is rumored to have increased battery capacity and a USB-C port.
The upcoming iPhone 15 Pro Max is predicted to be more expensive than its predecessor, according to tech analyst Jeff Pu. The Pro Max model is expected to have a higher price increase compared to the current iPhone 14 Pro Max, possibly due to the inclusion of a periscope lens that enables 5x to 6x optical zoom. Pu also anticipates that the iPhone 15 series will enter mass production in August, with the Pro models being the most popular devices upon launch.
Dummy models of the iPhone 15 range reveal that all four models will have a USB-C port, with the iPhone 15 Pro models expected to have faster data speeds. The iPhone 15 Pro models will also feature a solid-state, programmable Action button, replacing the physical mute switch. The camera hump on the iPhone 15 Pro Max will be of similar depth to the iPhone 15 Pro, despite the addition of an exclusive periscope lens capable of up to 6x optical zoom. The iPhone 15 range will have softer edges, with clean lines and slightly curved corners. Details on the internals, displays, and materials remain unknown, as do the prices, though Pro models are expected to see an increase.
Reliable tipster Ross Young has revealed that the iPhone 16 Pro Max will feature a screen between 6.8 and 6.9 inches, and the iPhone 16 Pro will have a screen between 6.2 and 6.3 inches. CAD images show that the 2024 iPhone will have a larger 6.9-inch display and will be half a mm thicker and 5.2mm taller. The larger display will allow Apple to include a periscope lens in the iPhone 16 Pro, offering optical zoom at a level that would normally be impossible to offer because of the size constraints of a smartphone.
Leaker Unknownz21, who has a track record of accurate information, has warned users to skip the entire iPhone 15 lineup, citing it as a mediocre upgrade. The leaker's own leaks suggest that the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus will be cheaper versions of the iPhone 14 Pro, using last year's A16 chipset and moving over to the Dynamic Island punch-hole design. The leaker's comments have sparked speculation about the potential reasons for the warning, with some suggesting it could be related to price or specific features. Meanwhile, leaks about the iPhone 16 Pro Max suggest it may be worth holding out for, with a larger display and potential new aspect ratio.
Influential leaker Unknownz21 has warned users to skip the entire iPhone 15 lineup, citing it as a mediocre upgrade. The leaker's comments are worth taking seriously due to their consistent accuracy in the past. The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are expected to be cheaper versions of the iPhone 14 Pro, using last year's A16 chipset and moving over to the Dynamic Island punch-hole design. The leaker has also revealed the new periscope lens for the iPhone 15 Pro Max and Apple's decision to scrap its solid-state volume buttons for both Pro models. The reason for the leaker's disdain remains unknown, but it could be related to price or other undisclosed features.
Apple is set to rearrange the layout of the rear triple-lens camera system on the iPhone 15 Pro Max to accommodate the new periscope camera technology that will be exclusive to the larger handset. The Ultra Wide lens on the iPhone 15 Pro Max will move to the corner position in the array, while the Telephoto will take its place between the flash and LiDAR. The periscope lens system will be used for the telephoto camera in the iPhone 15 Pro Max for the first time, allowing for 5x or 6x optical zoom.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max will be the only model to feature a periscope lens in 2023, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The periscope lens allows for better optical zoom capabilities without increasing the thickness of the device. Kuo also discussed Cowell, a compact camera module supplier, and their expected revenue increases from supplying components for the iPhone 16 and second-generation mixed-reality headsets.
