Apple iPhone 16 Models May Get Stacked Camera Sensors: Report

It may be premature to discuss the iPhone 16, but Apple's future iPhone 16 series is said to include a breakthrough stacked rear camera sensor design, similar to what was seen in this year's iPhone 15 models.

According to Apple industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the iPhone 16 series might include a stacked rear camera sensor arrangement across the board. This design decision may be influenced by the inclusion of identical camera technology in this year's basic iPhone 15 models.

What is a stacked rear camera sensor and how is it different from other sensors?

Notably, the lower-end iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus models are expected to adopt a 48-megapixel rear camera lens with a stacked CMOS image sensor (CIS) for improved light-capturing capabilities. Although Apple originally intended to include this advanced camera technology in all iPhone 15 models, production volume issues with the new sensor design forced the company to limit its use.

However, Apple has secured most of the orders from its sensor supplier Sony ahead of schedule, although Sony's advanced CIS capacity is expected to remain tight until 2024. Due to Sony's limited capacity, other suppliers such as Will Semi will also benefit as they are likely to receive more orders from Chinese smart brands for high quality CIS models.

What other cameras could we expect to see in the next iPhone?

As for the iPhone 16 Pro Max, rumors suggest that its 48-megapixel wide-angle camera will have an eight-part hybrid lens consisting of two glass elements and six plastic elements. In addition, telephoto and ultra-wide angle camera lenses are also expected to improve. In 2024, both the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max may introduce periscope telephoto lenses, which will further improve the camera capabilities of these devices.

However, in 2023, only the iPhone 15 Pro Max will include the new camera technology, as size restrictions limit its use in other models.

When will the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 be released?

According to the rumor, pre-orders for the iPhone 15 will most likely begin on September 15, with sales commencing a week later on September 22. The upcoming iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max will have titanium frames for improved durability and less weight, according to Gurman's recent newsletter.

On the other hand, the iPhone 16 series is set to arrive in September 2024, and reports about it are already circulating.