The iPhone 16 Pro series will bring new features like a larger screen, dedicated Shutter button, and more. We also expect many notable improvements to the camera hardware of the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. Here are four things to look forward to this year…
New camera features of iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max
Upgraded ultra-wide camera
According to many reports, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will both have upgraded 48MP Ultra Wide cameras this year. This would mark a significant improvement over the current 12 MP Ultra Wide camera on the iPhone 15 Pro.
This change means that the iPhone 16 Pro’s Ultra Wide camera will be much better in most shooting situations, especially in low light environments. Images will also offer more detail and improved color, while the increased resolution will also provide more flexibility in editing and post-processing.
The iPhone 16 Pro’s 48MP ultra-wide camera could also bring big improvements to spatial video capabilities. This feature is based on the combination of Main and Ultra Wide lenses, and with the new 48MP Ultra Wide Lens, iPhone 16 Pro can record spatial videos in 4K resolution. Currently, the iPhone 15 Pro can only record spatial videos at 1080p resolution.
Extended optical zoom
Currently, iPhone 15 Pro Max uses a new tetaprism camera design that unlocks 5x optical zoom and 25x digital zoom. However, with the iPhone 16 series, Apple will also extend the upgraded tetaprism camera to the smaller iPhone 16 Pro. This means that both the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will offer at least 5x optical zoom and 25x digital zoom.
There’s one other thing worth noting: a sketchy rumor has suggested that the iPhone 16 Pro Max will have something called a “periscope ultra-telephoto combo.” This would allow for greater than 5x optical zoom, but as of now, the rumor remains uncorroborated outside of this single source from last year.
Anti-reflective coating
One problem that every iPhone camera user is well aware of is lens flare when shooting in bright light environments. This issue results in unwanted artifacts and lens flare visible in the image. This is a hardware issue that affects most cameras on the market, but Apple is said to be working on a fix for the iPhone 16 Pro.
According to a rumor, Apple is testing a new “atomic layer deposition” (or ALD) lens coating technology for the iPhone 16 Pro. This anti-reflective coating can be applied to the iPhone 16 Pro’s camera lens to minimize the effects of internal reflections.
If this rumor comes true, it means you’ll see fewer unexpected artifacts in photos taken from the iPhone 16 Pro – especially those taken in bright lighting conditions.
The main camera has been upgraded
Finally, the iPhone 16 Pro is said to use Sony’s new main camera sensor with an upgraded design for better low-light performance.
Sony’s latest stacked sensor technology separates photo diodes and pixel transistors, which are typically combined into a single layer. This allows the photo diodes themselves – the bits that actually capture light – to be significantly larger for the same overall pixel size. Sony claims that this sensor captures twice as much light as existing camera sensors.
Capturing more light and eliminating more noise means iPhone users will have better overall photos.
However, one thing that remains unclear is whether this next-generation Sony sensor will be used on both iPhone 16 Pro models. At least one rumor on weibo states that only the iPhone 16 Pro Max will use this upgraded stacked camera sensor hardware.
In short
The iPhone 16 lineup is currently expected to be announced in September. What iPhone 16 Pro camera improvements are you most looking forward to this year? Are you planning to upgrade? Let us know in the comments.
