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The Rumored Periscope Zoom Camera for iPhone 15 Pro Max
By now, you have probably heard about the rumored periscope zoom camera that Apple is allegedly preparing for the new iPhone. After debuting on Android in 2019 via the Huawei P30 Pro, the modern version of a periscope zoom lens is now expected to finally make it to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, and possibly the smaller iPhone 15 Pro too.
The Surprising Development Related to iPhone 15 Pro Max’s Primary Camera
While we don’t know exactly how much more capable than the 3x zoom lens on the iPhone 14 Pro the new periscope shooter will be, there seems to be a surprising or even “shocking” (by Apple standards) development related to the primary, more important camera on iPhone 15 Pro Max (and iPhone 15 Pro, we’d hope).
Ice Universe’s Leak on iPhone 15 Pro Max’s Sensor
Believe it or not (and I certainly find it hard to believe), reputable tipster Ice Universe is now telling us that iPhone 15 Pro Max will use a sensor with “specifications… close to 1-inch – that’s for sure!”. Ice is a smartphone camera fanatic who does his research, which might give this surprising leak of information some added credibility.
Unanswered Questions About the “Close to 1-inch” Camera on iPhone 15 Pro Max
Still, there are a few unturned stones around the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s “close to 1-inch” camera, which I can (at least) try to shuffle around if not turn. Apparently, we’re talking about an unreleased Sony sensor that was once supposed to bless Sony’s own Xperia Pro-II – a phone that was never released.
The Cost and Capabilities of IMX903 Sensor
And apparently, this sensor is about 2x more expensive than the 50MP IMX989 in the Xiaomi 13 Ultra, which is a “full” 1-inch type sensor. And apparently (as per an older report) Apple might finally address some of the biggest problems with the iPhone’s questionable image processing.
Possible Outcomes for iPhone 15 Pro Max’s Camera Situation
As of now, there are a few possible outcomes to this whole iPhone 15 Pro Max primary camera situation:
- Apple will indeed use about 90% of a 1-inch sensor, namely the IMX 903, making the primary camera on iPhone 15 Pro Max 1/1.14-inch big, which would indicate that the “full 1-inch sensor” might be utilized in the rumored iPhone 16 Ultra next year.
- The rumors are false, and Apple will keep it conservative, giving iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max the same 1/1.28 48MP sensor from iPhone 14 Pro.
- The “near 1-inch” IMX 903 camera is indeed coming to iPhone but to next year’s iPhone 16 (Ultra).
Apple’s Need to Catch Up with Android on Camera Hardware
1-inch camera sensors are now becoming the norm on premium Android flagships, but that’s not the (only) thing Apple needs to fix the iPhone camera.
The Evolution of Apple’s Primary Camera Sensors
Compared to iPhone 11 Pro, the primary camera used in iPhone 14 Pro comes with a far larger sensor. But is this “near 1-inch camera sensor” that’s supposedly coming to iPhone 15 Pro Max going to change Apple’s approach to photography forever or turn out to be just a regular hardware upgrade?
The Need for Better Image Processing and HDR
Luckily, a rumor/leak from a few months back claims that the new Sony sensor(s) on iPhone 15 Pro should help Apple’s flagship achieve better image processing and HDR, which (to me) is a much more needed upgrade.
The State of iPhone’s Image Processing Compared to Android
As someone who looks at countless camera samples and comparisons (all the time), I can safely say that the current state of the iPhone’s image processing (photo and video) is in dire need of improvement that brings it up to date with the likes of the Xiaomi 13 Ultra, which now takes photos and videos that resemble these of a “real camera”.
The Need for Major Changes to Compete with the Best
With or without a 1-inch sensor, the iPhone 15 Pro Max camera will need major changes to compete with the best of the best…
Conclusion
Whether Apple’s rumored “close to 1-inch” camera sensor for iPhone 15 Pro Max will become a game-changer or not, it shows that Apple is finally willing to fight Android on a hardware level. However, Apple needs to improve not only the size of its primary camera sensors but also the image processing and HDR capabilities to catch up with the best Android flagships.
5 Unique FAQs
- What is a periscope zoom camera, and why is it important for iPhone 15 Pro Max?
- What are the advantages of a 1-inch primary camera sensor, and how does it compare to smaller sensors?
- What are the biggest problems with the iPhone’s questionable image processing, and how can Apple fix them?
- What are the possible outcomes for iPhone 15 Pro Max’s camera situation, and how will they affect future iPhone models?
- What are the main differences between iPhone’s primary camera sensors over the years, and how have they evolved?
