Kuo: iPhone 14 Pro to Feature 48-Megapixel Camera, Periscope Lens Coming 2023

Apple plans to add a 48-megapixel camera lens to the iPhone next year, followed by a periscope lens in 2023, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

iPhone 14 Mock Roundup 2
In a research note today with TF International Securities, obtained by MacRumors, Kuo said these iPhone camera upgrades over the next two years will help to boost Taiwanese manufacturer Largan Precision's market share, revenue, and profit.

Kuo did not provide any further details, but he has previously claimed that the 48-megapixel camera will be limited to iPhone 14 Pro models and allow for 8K video recording, up from 4K currently. These high-resolution 8K videos would be suitable for viewing on Apple's AR/VR headset that is expected to launch next year, he said.

Kuo also previously claimed that iPhone 14 Pro models may support both 48-megapixel and 12-megapixel output, which would likely be achieved with a process known as pixel binning. Already in use on some Android smartphones, like Samsung's Galaxy S21 Ultra, pixel binning could allow iPhone 14 Pro models to shoot 48-megapixel photos in bright conditions and 12-megapixel photos in low-light conditions to preserve quality.

Further ahead, Kuo reiterated his belief that at least one iPhone 15 model will gain a periscope lens in 2023, paving the way for significantly increased optical zoom. This lens would have folded camera optics, where light absorbed by the image sensor is bent or "folded," allowing for increased optical zoom while maintaining a compact design appropriate for smartphones.

Huawei's P40 Pro+ features a periscope lens with up to 10x optical zoom, for example, while iPhone 13 Pro models are limited to 3x optical zoom.

Related Roundup: iPhone 15
Related Forum: iPhone

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Top Rated Comments

julesme Avatar
44 months ago
Ideally, they would offer a Pro Mini option with the 48MP sensor.

Sadly, they may be going the other direction (canceling the Mini). Why are we penalized for having small pockets and decent eyesight?
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
co.ag.2005 Avatar
44 months ago
While I don't put a lot of trust in these rumors, I do hope that future iPhones adopt a greater optical zoom than just 3x. A great 5x or 10x optical zoom would be very handy in certain scenarios.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ThisBougieLife Avatar
44 months ago
I mean, that’s neat, but it’s interesting how smartphones are all about the camera these days. I can’t imagine finding much use for 8K. But I would like to see an under-display fingerprint reader and USB-C…
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mrr Avatar
44 months ago
Apple will make a ton of money selling an increase in iCloud storage space.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheYayAreaLiving ?️ Avatar
44 months ago
Bring it on! Biggest camera upgrade ever in the iPhone.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MaxBurn Avatar
44 months ago
To me title is confusing and implies that the iphone 14 will arrive in 2023.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)