Apple Periscope Telephoto Camera
Apple’s iPhone 16 series, which was unveiled in September 2024, introduced a significant camera upgrade, particularly with the addition of a periscope telephoto camera. This feature was only made available on the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max models, offering users enhanced optical zoom capabilities for the first time in an iPhone. The periscope lens allows for 5x optical zoom, a marked improvement over the standard telephoto lenses found on previous iPhones. However, if you were hoping that the next generation of iPhones, the iPhone 17, would bring this innovative camera to the standard and Air models, you might be disappointed.
A new report from The Elec, a trusted South Korean publication, claims that Apple will continue to reserve the periscope telephoto camera for the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max models in 2025. This suggests that the iPhone 17 and the rumored iPhone 17 Air (or Slim) models will not feature the periscope lens, even though LG Innotek, Apple’s primary supplier for iPhone camera modules, is investing heavily in new production facilities. Despite this investment, the advanced periscope technology is expected to remain exclusive to the Pro versions of the iPhone.
Why Is Apple Keeping the Periscope Camera Exclusive to Pro Models?
Apple’s decision to keep the periscope telephoto camera on the Pro models, even with future advancements in camera module production, is likely driven by its strategy to differentiate the Pro variants as premium flagship devices. The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max introduced several high-end features that set them apart from the standard models, with the periscope camera being one of the most notable upgrades.
The periscope telephoto camera allows for a 5x optical zoom, a significant improvement over the 3x zoom capabilities found on previous models like the iPhone 15 Pro. By placing the periscope lens exclusively in the Pro models, Apple ensures that the Pro variants remain at the cutting edge of iPhone technology, offering users superior camera capabilities for professional-grade photography, detailed zoom shots, and other advanced imaging features.
While it is clear that LG Innotek is investing in upgraded facilities to meet the increasing demand for iPhone camera modules, it appears that the periscope camera’s exclusivity to the Pro models will continue in 2025. The iPhone 17 series is expected to include four models: the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air (or Slim), iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. The periscope lens, however, will remain a feature reserved for the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, while the standard models will continue to use traditional telephoto cameras with less advanced zoom capabilities.
What to Expect from the iPhone 17 Models
As with previous iPhone generations, Apple is expected to maintain a clear divide between the Pro and non-Pro models. The iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air/Slim are likely to continue with more conventional camera systems that still offer high-quality photos and video but without the added benefits of the periscope telephoto lens. These models are expected to feature standard telephoto cameras that provide optical zoom but typically with 3x optical zoom at best, rather than the 5x optical zoom offered by the Pro versions.
For users seeking the best possible zoom functionality and professional-level photography, the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will remain the go-to options. These models will likely offer at least the same 5x optical zoom as the iPhone 16 Pro Max, and could potentially include even more advanced features, given Apple’s focus on pushing the boundaries of mobile photography.
The Impact on iPhone Consumers
This strategy of reserving the periscope telephoto camera for the Pro models is a part of Apple’s broader effort to differentiate its product lineup and ensure that the Pro variants remain the most attractive option for users seeking high-end features. By keeping certain advanced technologies exclusive to the Pro models, Apple is maintaining the appeal of the more expensive iPhones, which are aimed at users who want the best performance, the most advanced cameras, and the highest-end specifications.
However, for those on a budget or those who do not need the best-in-class zoom capabilities, the iPhone 17 and the expected iPhone 17 Air/Slim will still provide excellent cameras, albeit without the advanced zoom features that the Pro models offer. These consumers will still benefit from other improvements that Apple is expected to introduce, such as better image processing, faster performance, and potentially even improved standard zoom cameras.
Conclusion
Apple’s decision to keep the periscope telephoto camera exclusive to the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max models reaffirms the company’s strategy of maintaining a clear distinction between its Pro and non-Pro devices. This move ensures that the Pro models continue to be the flagship offerings, featuring the most cutting-edge camera technologies, while the standard iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air/Slim models will offer solid but more conventional camera setups. While this will be disappointing for those hoping for a more advanced camera in the cheaper models, it’s clear that Apple’s focus remains on providing premium features to the Pro lineup, maintaining its position at the forefront of smartphone innovation.
So, if you’re eager for 5x optical zoom and professional-grade camera performance, you’ll need to opt for the iPhone 17 Pro or iPhone 17 Pro Max. The standard models will continue to offer solid camera performance, but for advanced features like the periscope lens, the Pro models are the only way to go.
FAQs
1. What is a periscope telephoto camera, and why is it important?
A periscope telephoto camera uses a reflective prism system to allow for longer optical zoom without increasing the thickness of the phone. This design enables smartphones to achieve 5x or more optical zoom, which improves zoomed-in photography with better clarity and less image distortion. It’s an important upgrade for users who prioritize high-quality zoom and detailed photography.
2. Which iPhone models will have the periscope camera in 2025?
The periscope telephoto camera will remain exclusive to the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max models in 2025. The standard iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air/Slim models will not feature this advanced camera technology, sticking to traditional telephoto lenses.
3. Why is Apple keeping the periscope camera exclusive to the Pro models?
Apple aims to differentiate the Pro models as premium devices with cutting-edge features, such as the periscope telephoto camera. By reserving this technology for the Pro variants, Apple ensures that its high-end models offer more advanced capabilities, particularly in camera performance, which appeals to users seeking professional-grade photography features.
4. Will the iPhone 17 Air/Slim have a good camera even without the periscope lens?
Yes, while the iPhone 17 Air/Slim will not have the periscope lens, it is still expected to feature a high-quality camera system. The standard telephoto lens will provide strong zoom capabilities, and Apple will continue to improve image processing and performance, ensuring that these models offer excellent camera performance for everyday use.
5. How much optical zoom will the iPhone 17 Pro models have?
The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are expected to feature at least a 5x optical zoom, similar to the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Apple may also introduce improvements to the camera system, which could result in even better zoom performance or additional advanced features, further enhancing the Pro models’ capabilities.
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