Taiwan's United Daily News has posted a supply chain report that claims that Apple's 2024 iPhone 16's camera lens will undergo a major overhaul. The iPhone 16 Pro (Max) model is expected to be equipped with higher-end molded glass (MG) to make the phone thinner and lighter, and increase the optical zoom ratio, which will greatly enhance the user experience.

The rumor claims that Largan is expected to be the exclusive supplier of this next-gen telephoto lens. Surprisingly, the supply chain recently started preparing materials for this new lens one year in advance, which is the first time in history.

It is understood that Apple attaches great importance to the iPhone 16 lens overhaul next year. Due to the use of new materials, and rumors that non-Apple manufacturers such as OPPO and vivo are also interested in introducing molded glass, in order to ensure a smooth source of materials, Apple personally stepped in and contracted global molding. The production capacity of glass leader HOYA and Largan Light will also join the ranks of producing molded glass, and upstream material factories have recently started preparing materials.

According to outside analysis, this year’s iPhone 15 Pro Max uses a periscope lens for the first time. Largan Light is the exclusive supplier of telephoto lenses and is also the most expensive lens. Once Apple’s flagship camera lens specifications are advanced next year and equipped with molded glass, it is expected that The cost will increase by another 10% to 20%. Largan's self-made supply will not only help to increase profits, but also will maintain its position as the sole supplier of telephoto lenses due to limited production capacity. Amid rising costs, next year's iPhone 16 flagship There may be pressure to increase prices.

According to market analysts, the advantages of introducing molded glass include lowering the height of the lens, making the phone lighter and thinner, and further increasing the optical zoom magnification. For more on this, read the full UDN report.