The details of the new sensor technology are not specified in the supply chain report, but it is hinted that a new Sony tech will be used, which could potentially double the low-light sensitivity.
iPhone 16 Pro Cameras to Feature New Sensor Technology
2 min read
1 day ago
Brandon Vincent
All four models of the iPhone 15 are expected to come equipped with the 48MP stacked sensor technology found in the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max. However, recent reports suggest that next year’s iPhone 16 Pro cameras may once again surpass the base and Plus models.
The details of the new sensor technology are not specified in the supply chain report, but it is hinted that a new Sony tech will be used, which could potentially double the low-light sensitivity.
Apple has traditionally resisted the trend of increasing megapixel numbers in smartphone cameras, as packing more pixels into a small sensor can result in poorer performance in low-light conditions. To overcome this limitation, Apple introduced stacked sensor technology in the iPhone 14 models. This technology utilizes multiple layers to retain low-light sensitivity and was initially implemented in the iPhone 14 Pro models. It is expected to be incorporated into the entire iPhone 15 lineup this year.
According to Ming-Chi Kuo’s report, the iPhone 16 Pro models will feature a different sensor than the base models, and it is confirmed that Sony will continue to provide the sensors for Apple’s devices. The report also mentions that Sony’s high-end CIS (CMOS image sensor) capacity will be limited in 2024 due to the adoption of stacked-designed CIS in the two iPhone 16 Pro models.
While the exact Sony stacked sensor tech for the iPhone 16 Pro cameras is not disclosed in the report, it is speculated that it may allow for larger photo diodes. Sony’s latest stacked sensor technology separates the photo diodes and pixel transistors, enabling larger diodes to capture more light, resulting in improved low-light performance and noise reduction.
Typically, new camera sensor technology is introduced in high-end cameras before being implemented in smartphones. However, Sony’s Xperia 1 V smartphone was the first device to feature this technology, suggesting scaling challenges that may have influenced the decision.
In terms of photography, the new sensor technology in the iPhone 16 Pro cameras is expected to enhance photo quality in low-light conditions and high-contrast lighting scenarios. This will lead to better photos in situations such as dimly lit indoor environments and capturing subjects against bright sunlight.
If the iPhone 16 Pro does indeed incorporate this new sensor technology, users can anticipate a significant improvement in photo quality compared to previous models.