According to the latest reports obtained by Economic Daily News through its supply chain channels, Apple is actively in talks with various suppliers to develop the telephoto lens in the iPhone 16 Pro models scheduled to be released next year.

The company is reportedly looking to integrate a more advanced glass lens module, aiming to create a thinner and lighter design that will result in a shorter lens. This update is expected to greatly expand the device’s optical zoom capabilities. However, the manufacturing process for these new lenses is more complex, leading to potential limitations in the early stages of production. As a result, the updated telephoto lens may become the main focus in the early stages of production.

Recent reports indicate that Apple has sent representatives to visit Hoya, a multinational optical equipment manufacturer based in Japan. Hoya’s diverse product range includes photomasks, semiconductor equipment, glasses, contact lenses and optical glass, making Hoya one of the world’s leading lens manufacturers.

Media reports suggest that the improved telephoto lens could lead to higher production costs, which could potentially lead to a higher retail price for the iPhone 16 Pro model. This increase in cost could be passed on to consumers, indicating possible price increases for future devices.

Additionally, previous leaks by Digital Chat Station had revealed that Apple was planning to include a certain set of configurations in the iPhone 16 Pro series. These configurations could include a 1/1.14″± mount, a 1MG + 7P die-cast glass module, and a periscope ultra-telephoto combination, possibly marking a significant advancement in the device’s photographic capabilities.

The potential integration of these advanced components could mean a significant advancement in Apple’s smartphone technology, particularly in the field of photography, which would offer users a more advanced and powerful tool for capturing high-quality images. Source