iPhone 15 and 15 Plus Could Arrive With 2X Optical Zoom
Introduction:
The upcoming non-Pro models, iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, may come equipped with a 2X optical zoom, a feature previously exclusive to the Pro iPhones. Since the release of the iPhone 11 series in 2019, optical zoom has been limited to the Pro models, but 2023 might mark the first time that all newly released iPhones will have this capability. However, incorporating optical zoom into the non-Pro iPhones requires the implementation of new camera hardware.
New Camera Hardware
A report by Jeff Pu, obtained by MacRumors, reveals that the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are expected to feature a new 48 MP camera. This report suggests that the main wide-angle lens of the non-Pro iPhone 15 will be upgraded to this new sensor. Although production issues with this sensor could potentially impact the release dates of the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, this outcome appears unlikely at present. But how does this new lens relate to optical zoom?
Examining the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max
To understand the connection, let's take a closer look at the camera hardware of the iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max. The ultra-wide camera allows for ultra-wide-angle shots (0.5X zoom), while the telephoto lens enables iPhone 14 Pro users to capture images with 3X optical zoom. So how do these models achieve both 1X and 2X zoom capabilities? The lens responsible for the 2X optical zoom in the current Pro iPhones is none other than the new 48 MP main wide-angle camera. Apple achieves this by cropping the image produced by the main lens when users select the 2X optical zoom, effectively providing the functionality of an additional camera lens.
Zoom Lens in iPhone 15 and 15 Plus
Considering the above, it becomes evident that Apple could potentially add a third virtual lens to the next basic iPhone model by successfully combining the rumored new 48 MP lens with software-based image cropping techniques. This would allow Apple to enhance the functionality and perceived value of these devices while keeping costs as low as possible. It is worth noting that flagship phones from other major OEMs already include optical zoom, highlighting Apple's relative lag in this area.
However, such a release could pose a challenge for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Apple appears determined to further differentiate its Pro lineup by adding more features compared to the non-Pro devices. Apple is already reserving features from the camera of the iPhone 14 Pro (or 13 Pro a year before) such as ProRaw or ProRes which is related to the camera hardware and the neural engine of the iPhone’s chip. Hence the question could possibly be if Apple will be willing to introduce this feature to the upcoming iPhone 15/15 Plus.
Please note that all the information presented here is based on recent leaks, and we will have to wait for Apple's official announcement of the iPhone 15 series to confirm these details.
