The tech community is buzzing with the latest news regarding Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro, which is set to debut in 2024 with a significant camera upgrade. Supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has shed light on Apple’s plans to incorporate a 120 mm tetraprism camera into the smaller iPhone 16 Pro model. This move is anticipated to significantly boost the demand for this advanced camera technology.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max, released in September, was the first to feature the 120 mm focal length tetraprism camera, previously exclusive to Apple’s largest pro model. However, in a shift of strategy, Apple aims to extend this feature to its smaller Pro models by 2024. Kuo’s insights come from examining the supply chain, particularly the orders placed with Largan, a key supplier of the tetraprism component.
According to Kuo, Apple’s order for tetraprism cameras in 2024 could lead to a staggering 160% year-over-year growth in the number of iPhones equipped with this technology. This projection marks a significant increase from Kuo’s earlier forecast of 110% growth, attributed to the initial lower yield rates from supplier Largan. Apple has collaborated closely with Largan, improving yield rates from 40% in the third quarter of 2023 to over 70% by the fourth quarter, enhancing the profitability of assembling this component.
Largan’s expertise in camera technology isn’t limited to Apple, as it also supplies periscope lenses to Huawei. With both tech giants increasing their reliance on Largan’s components, the demand for advanced camera technologies is poised to surge in 2024.
The anticipated iPhone 16 Pro, slated for a September 2024 reveal, is rumored to not only boast larger displays and new camera systems, but also to incorporate Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, further cementing its position as a leading smartphone in the market.
Kuo’s history of accurate supply chain reporting lends significant credibility to these predictions, making the iPhone 16 Pro one of the most anticipated releases in Apple’s lineup.