Apple’s introduced the iPhone 16 lineup in September, consisting of the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. Among these, only the Pro models feature the advanced periscope telephoto camera. For those hoping next year’s non-Pro iPhone 17 models might include this feature, it seems unlikely.
According to South Korean publication The Elec, the periscope telephoto camera will remain exclusive to the Pro models in the iPhone 17 series. This decision comes despite LG Innotek, the supplier for iPhone camera modules, investing in new facilities that could potentially support upgraded components for the iPhone 17 series.
The upcoming iPhone 17 lineup is rumored to include four variants: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air (or Slim, depending on its final name), iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. While the periscope cameras on the current iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max provide 5x optical zoom, next year’s Pro versions are expected to offer at least the same level of zoom, if not more. However, this feature is not expected to trickle down to the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air/Slim models.
Apple’s decision to keep the periscope telephoto camera exclusive to Pro models aligns with its strategy of differentiating its premium devices with advanced features, encouraging users to opt for the higher-end versions. While non-Pro models will likely continue to offer improvements in other areas, features like enhanced optical zoom remain reserved for Pro devices, emphasizing their appeal to photography enthusiasts and power users.
With the iPhone 17 series expected to launch next year, the Pro models will likely remain the choice for those seeking cutting-edge camera technology.