U iPhone 17 Pro Max Next year expect an updated Tetraprism 48-megapixel camera for improved photo quality and zoom functionality, according to its analyst. Apple Ming-Chi Kuo.
In his latest investment note published on Medium, Kuo said the key change in specifications will be a 1/2.6″ 48MP CIS sensor, from the 1/3.1″ 12MP sensor expected to be used in the iPhone 16 models Pros of this year.
Both the iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max are expected to get Tetraprism telephoto lenses in 2024, and the technology will not be limited to the larger Pro Max, as it is in the line. iPhone 15. This means that both iPhone 16 Pro models have at least 5x optical zoom and at least 25x digital zoom.
Kuo said he is not sure if only the iPhone 17 Pro Max will feature the updated Tetraprism camera. But if it is an exclusive feature of the model, then both iPhone 18 Pro models will have it in 2026. The updated Tetraprism camera requires all-new designed prisms, which should have a smaller form factor to reduce the height of the camera, added Kuo.
The analyst report confirms a statement made last year by Jeff Pu of Haitong International Securities. Pu said in December that the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s upgraded 48MP telephoto lens will be optimized for use with Apple Vision Pro. The current models iPhone 15 Pro can record 3D space videos for playback in Vision Pro – when held in landscape orientation, the main and ultrawide lens combine to record space videos with added depth.
Pu previously said that both iPhone 16 Pro models will feature a 48MP ultra-wide-angle lens, which will make the iPhone 17 Pro Max the first iPhone model to feature a rear camera system consisting entirely of 48-megapixel lenses. To put it in perspective, the current iPhone 15 Pro models have 48MP main, 12MP ultra-wide and 12MP telephoto lenses.