iPhone 16 Pro's Larger Ultrawide Sensor May Boost Spatial Video
As we enter 2024, we can now begin the countdown to the iPhone 16's arrival, which is approximately nine months from now. After a handful of leaks that registered on our radar in 2023, reports about the next-generation iPhone continue to make waves at the start of this year. In particular, a major camera upgrade is speculated for the iPhone 16 Pro duo.
A 48 MP ultra-wide camera on iPhone 16 Pro will most likely happen
Last year, there were two reports from reliable sources that the iPhone 16 Pro was set to bring a 48 MP ultra-wide sensor, replacing the dated and minuscule 12 MP sensor on the existing iPhone 15 (review) range. Now, prolific leaker Ming-Chi Kuo wrote on Medium about the upcoming Pro models sporting an upgraded 48 MP ultra-wide snapper, aligning with earlier predictions.
If this were to materialize, the rear module of the iPhone 16 Pro would feature a primary 48 MP wide sensor, a new 48 MP ultra-wide sensor, and a 12 MP periscope lens with 5x zoom. We can also draw a conclusion that the bigger ultra-wide sensor is exclusive to the Pro models. It is likely the same 48 MP ultra-wide camera will only trickle to the standard iPhone models by 2025 or with the iPhone 17.
With a larger sensor, it is expected to enhance the image quality of the 0.5x zoom by tapping into pixel-binning technology utilized on the current 48 MP wide camera. This could also result in better pictures in low-light situations as the combined pixels will capture more light.
Another reason we see why Apple is improving the ultra-wide sensor on the iPhone 16 Pro might be attributed to spatial video recording. Essentially, recording a spatial video requires two adjacent cameras to create a 3D or immersive effect. In the case of the iPhone 15 Pro, it uses the 48 MP wide and 12 MP ultra-wide sensors, so it makes sense that Apple is updating the other less capable sensor.
Apart from the cameras, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro appear as modest upgrades to the iPhone 15, with rumored changes including a new A18 chipset, an additional capture button, and slightly wider displays on the Pro. However, as we are still several months away from the launch timetable, there might be some surprises in store.
Do you think that Apple has introduced limited improvements to the iPhone camera in recent years compared to Samsung or other prominent brands? We'd like to hear your opinion in the comments.
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