In addition to the AI software advancements, we anticipate significant improvements in the cameras of the iPhone 16 series this year. However, it appears that the majority of these upgrades will be exclusive to the Pro models, creating a larger distinction between them and the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus.
The iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max are rumored to come with a new main image sensor and an additional ultra-wide camera, which could greatly enhance the phone’s camera system. Meanwhile, the non-Pro models of the iPhone 16 are expected to undergo a slight visual change that may spark some internet memes.
The iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max feature camera upgrades, including a new 48MP main sensor.
The upcoming iPhone 16 Pro models are rumored to be getting two new camera enhancements, with one of them being an upgrade to the 48MP main camera. Although it will maintain the 48MP resolution, sources suggest that it will be equipped with a new, specially designed Sony IMX903 image sensor.
The Sony IMX903 sensor, with a measurement of 1/1.14″, is notably larger than the 1/1.28″ Sony IMX803 found on the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max models from the previous year. The increased sensor size provides various advantages, including improved light sensitivity for better performance in low-light conditions. Additionally, it offers a more natural bokeh effect, making it ideal for capturing striking portrait shots.
The larger size is not the only improvement; reports also mention that the custom Sony IMX903 will offer three additional benefits.
Digital Gain Control (DCG) is a feature that assists the camera in capturing well-exposed images with reduced graininess, particularly in low-light or nighttime situations. A 14-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) enhances image quality by expanding the camera’s dynamic range, allowing it to capture more detail in both shadows and highlights simultaneously. A design that is stacked boosts the speed of the camera when taking photos and enhances its ability to collect light efficiently, resulting in clearer images.
Based on the new sensor for the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max main camera, we are picking up some clues. The sensor is optimized for low-light photography and video recording, suggesting that Apple may be planning to introduce a new feature that takes advantage of these enhancements. Perhaps a feature to compete with Samsung’s “Nightography”?
A new camera with an ultra-wide lens.
At last! Apple is reportedly planning to replace its long-standing 12MP ultra-wide camera with a higher resolution one, boasting 48MP similar to the main sensor. This change is expected to enable users to capture photos in Apple’s ProRAW format, which retains a greater amount of detail. Additionally, the default resolution for photos taken with the ultra-wide camera is expected to increase to 24MP, providing a superior level of detail.
New lens materials and coatings
According to rumors, Apple is reportedly incorporating a special coating called ALD (Atomic Layer Deposition) onto the lenses. This advanced coating is expected to minimize the bothersome streaks of light (lens flare) that may potentially affect your photos, particularly in low-light conditions.
An additional bonus could be that the lenses may be lighter and thinner due to a new type of molded glass. This could result in a reduced camera bump on the phone’s back, enhancing its sleekness and ease of handling.
Upgrades to the camera of iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, along with a new camera design.
Regrettably, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus may not receive the same upgrades as the Pro models. The only rumored change for these models is a redesigned camera island that resembles the one on the iPhone 12. Apple is reverting to the vertical orientation of dual cameras to enable spatial video, which can be viewed on the Apple Vision Pro headset. Previous diagonal camera setups cannot record spatial video.
How many cameras will be featured on the iPhone 16?
The iPhone 16 series will have the same number of cameras as the iPhone 15 lineup. This means that the Pro models will feature a triple camera system with main, ultra-wide, and telephoto cameras. The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus will have one less camera, including just the main and ultra-wide cameras.
Naturally, each of the four iPhone 16 models will include front-facing cameras integrated into the screen.
What will be the number of megapixels for the cameras on the iPhone 16?
iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max camera megapixels:
Main (wide angle): 48 MP
Ultrawide: 48 MP
Telephoto: 12 MP
Front: 12 MP
Camera resolution in iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus:
Main (wide angle): 48 MP
Ultra-wide: 12 MP
Front: 12 megapixel
Expected iPhone 16 Camera Specifications
Here’s an overview of the expected camera specs of the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max:
- The main wide camera of the phone features a 48 MP Sony IMX903 sensor, 1/1.14″ sensor size, f/1.78 aperture, and a 24mm lens equivalent with optical image stabilization (OIS).
- The ultrawide camera has a 48 MP resolution, 1/2.6″ sensor size, 0.7um pixel size, and f/2.2 aperture with a 13mm lens equivalent.
- The iPhone 16 Pro’s telephoto camera offers 3X optical zoom, 12 MP resolution, 1/3.5″ sensor size, 1.0um pixel size, and f/2.2 aperture with a 77mm lens equivalent and OIS.
- The iPhone 16 Pro Max’s telephoto camera provides 5X optical zoom, 12 MP resolution, 1/3.06″ sensor size, 1.12um pixel size, f/2.2 aperture, and 120mm lens equivalent with OIS.
- The front camera has a resolution of 12MP, 1/3.6″ sensor size, f/1.9 aperture, 23mm lens equivalent, and OIS.
The standout feature among the specifications mentioned is the 48MP ultra-wide camera on the Pro models. Slightly less prominent is the new 48 MP Sony IMX903 image sensor, which boasts the same resolution as the previous year’s main camera but is larger. The increased size is expected to improve low-light performance and result in more realistic portraits with a blurred background and foreground.
