The iPhone 16’s camera will lift one of the 15 Pro Max’s best features for its spec overhaul, as Apple brings product parity going forward. There’s plenty of reason for excitement surrounding the iPhone 16, but undoubtedly one selling point for many of us is whether the iPhone 16 camera is worth the upgrade.
Considering how impressive the iPhone 15 and its big brother the 15 Pro Max perform, it puts Apple in a tough spot. However, the iPhone 16 is supposedly seeking to abandon exclusivity in favor of lifting the 15 Pro Max’s superb x5 optical zoom.
According to a new report from hardware analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, via Tom’s Guide, Apple’s next iPhone will utilize the benefits of the tetra-prism lens for both iPhone 16 Pro models releasing in 2024. News of the upgrade comes from Kuo’s recent interaction with Apple’s lens supplier Largan, as Kuo refers to the iPhone 16 by expressing that “some flagship specifications will be extended to other models.” While it’s an undoubtedly exciting inclusion, Kuo purports that the iPhone 16 camera won’t differ massively from its predecessor.
However, we’re not so sure. This contradicts previous claims that the iPhone 16 Pro Max camera would get some serious leverage over the 15 Pro Max, as it will reportedly boast a whopping 48MP ultrawide camera. Pair this with a size increase, slimmer bezel, battery performance tweaks, and one of the brightest displays yet, then the iPhone 16 is shaping up to be a gnarly addition to Apple’s premium smartphone arsenal. You can even get a better idea of the iPhone 16’s appearance thanks to an early case leak.

The possibilities that iPhone cameras offer these days aren’t something to scoff at. Not only can you snap the perfect Instagram post, but Apple’s quality push means that we’re seeing the iPhone used more often in professional settings – like Hollywood movies. Auteurs like Steven Soderbergh have championed the iPhone camera’s unique aesthetic with movies like Unsane and High Flying Bird. Yet, when we’re not admiring the iPhone’s lenses, we’re frequently playing many of the best mobile games.
We’ve been loving the iPhone 15 so far, with Apple taking large steps to make it one of the best gaming phones available. Exploring the remnants of the United States in Death Stranding never fails to leave us in awe, as connecting the Chiral Network with impressive fidelity and performance on the iPhone still feels surreal.
However, we still recommend having one of the best iPhone chargers to hand for any prolonged gaming sessions, as this level of technical polish isn’t exactly kind to your battery.

So, while we wait to see what Apple has up its sleeve, let’s enhance your current experience. Be sure to check out our guide on the best iPhone 15 accessories, if you’re looking to get the most out of your smartphone.