2023-12-19 12:11:38
According to information from analyst Jeff Pu, Apple plans to integrate a 48 megapixel sensor into the telephoto module of the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Enough to allow, in theory, lossless zoom up to x10.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max for illustration // Source: Frandroid – Chloé Pertuis
While Apple’s photo strategy has long focused on using sensors of identical definition, at 12 megapixels, the iPhone manufacturer seems to be moving away from it little by little. After integrating a 48-megapixel main photo sensor on its last two generations of iPhone, it seems that Apple is ready to take the plunge, including the module dedicated to zoom.
Indeed, according to information from analyst Jeff Pu, generally well informed regarding Apple’s projects and relayed by MacRumors, Apple would have strong ambitions for its high-end iPhone planned for two years, the iPhone 17 Pro Max. In a research note, the analyst from Haitong International Securities suggests that the iPhone 17 Pro Max would be equipped with a telephoto module with a 48 megapixel sensor.
Concretely, this should have several advantages for users. The first is obviously the ability to offer a x2 hybrid zoom within this telephoto lens. If Apple retains a x5 optical zoom on this device, as on the iPhone 15 Pro Max, this would therefore make it possible to offer a x10 hybrid zoom compared to the main wide-angle module, while retaining a usable definition of 12 megapixels. Therefore, the iPhone would be on par with what Samsung can offer, for example with the x10 zoom currently offered on the Galaxy S23 Ultra.
A better definition that would be useful for Vision Pro
The other interest of this large sensor would be its integration into the Apple ecosystem and simplified operation with the firm’s augmented reality headset, the Apple Vision Pro, expected early next year:
Pu says the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s telephoto module will be optimized for use with Apple’s upcoming Vision Pro headset.
However, it is currently unknown how a telephoto module might be used with Apple’s headset. If the manufacturer promises to allow the capture of 3D videos visible in the headset with an iPhone, it is in fact the wide-angle and ultra-wide-angle modules of the iPhone which will be used, and not the telephoto lens. Greater definition should, however, make it possible to capture more details, which would be of great benefit with 4K micro-Oled screens positioned a few centimeters from the eyes.
Obviously, we will still have to wait to find out more regarding the future iPhone 17 Pro Max. If the American manufacturer maintains its current schedule, the smartphone should not be announced before September 2025. Until then, Apple might also modify its plans.
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