Apple’s usual iPhone models still have 12MP cameras, but this year things seem to be changing – the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus are rumored to have 48MP cameras. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, this new sensor will be better than the one found in the iPhone 15 Pro.
The iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max are expected to use the same camera sensor as last year (Sony IMX803). Sony’s new stacked image sensor design will, however, be the first to appear on the vanilla iPhone 15 duo.
The term “stacked” refers to having the photodiode and transistor for each pixel stacked on top of one another. Since regular sensors place photodiodes and transistors next to each other, there is less room for both. Sony’s Lytia LYT800 sensor will be used in Vivo’s upcoming X100 series. The sensor measures 1/1.43″ in diameter and performs similarly to a traditional 1″ sensor.
Based on the timeline constructed by the analyst, the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will get stacked sensors next year. There are other ways Apple can differentiate its cameras, such as sensor size or image stabilization.
Furthermore, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is the only one in its generation with a periscope, it’s not just about the main camera. In addition, the iPhone 16 Pro Max will feature an exclusive “super telephoto” periscope.
The supply of stacked Sony sensors will be tight until 2025 as Apple consumes them for iPhones. It’s up to other smartphone makers to deal with that.
