Apple is preparing to introduce a new periscope camera technology in the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which will enable 5x or 6x optical zoom. This innovative technology will significantly improve the optical zoom capabilities of the iPhone, which currently only offers 3x optical zoom.
Rearranged Camera Layout
To accommodate the periscope lens system, Apple will need to rearrange the camera layout on the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The current camera layout features the Telephoto lens closest to the top corner of the device when held in landscape orientation. The Ultra Wide lens is positioned below, between the flash and LiDAR sensor. However, in the iPhone 15 Pro Max, Apple will shift the Ultra Wide lens to the corner position within the camera array. The Telephoto lens will then take its place between the flash and LiDAR, allowing for more internal space to incorporate the complex folded optics of the periscope system.
Periscope Lens System and Design Changes
A periscope lens system typically utilizes a primary lens to capture an image, with an angled mirror or prism redirecting the light 90 degrees towards a second lens, which then transmits it to the image sensor. To extend the focal length, the image sensor and secondary lens are positioned sideways inside the smartphone. This configuration requires valuable surface area within the device.
Due to the angled reflection of light in the periscope system, the telephoto lens in the iPhone 15 Pro Max is likely to have a square shape, deviating from the circular telephoto lens used in the iPhone 14 Pro Max. Although the camera cutout will still be circular, the actual lens inside will be square. Therefore, from an external perspective, the lens array of the iPhone 15 Pro Max will appear unchanged, while significant alterations to the hardware layout will be implemented.
Future Expansion and Periscope Technology
The information about the camera layout changes in the iPhone 15 Pro Max was shared by researcher Unknownz21, who also confirmed that both the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, slated for release in 2024, will feature the periscope zoom camera technology. These upcoming models are expected to have slightly larger displays, offering Apple more internal space to incorporate the periscope lens technology in both premium devices.
Apple’s decision to introduce periscope camera technology in the iPhone 15 Pro Max demonstrates the company’s commitment to enhancing the photography capabilities of its flagship devices. The rearrangement of the camera layout highlights the need for additional internal space to accommodate the advanced periscope lens system. As the technology progresses, Apple is poised to bring this groundbreaking feature to other models, with the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max set to embrace the periscope zoom camera in 2024. Apple enthusiasts can look forward to capturing stunning photos and experiencing enhanced optical zoom capabilities in the future iterations of the iPhone.
Here are some additional details about the periscope camera technology:
- The periscope lens system is typically used in DSLR cameras, but it is becoming increasingly common in smartphones.
- The periscope lens system allows for greater optical zoom without increasing the physical size of the camera module.
- The periscope lens system is more complex and expensive than traditional telephoto lens systems, but it offers significant performance benefits.
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