Following up on previous rumors, a third report has indicated that Apple will be incorporating technology that allows up to 10x optical zoom to iPhone cameras within the next couple of years.
In the July report, noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo didn’t share much detail beyond Apple using Samsung Electro-Mechanics (SEMCO) to supply periscope lenses for iPhone in 2022.
The third report, released by The Elec, reiterates that Apple is looking into SEMCO periscope lenses for next-gen iPhones that could offer up to 10x optical zoom. The new report hedges a bit more on a 2033-2023 timeline before the upgrade arrives.
The article offered the following details:
Apple can technically secure folded zoom modules directly from Samsung Electro-Mechanics. However, this may hurt its relationship with LG InnoTek, its long-time supplier of high-end camera modules.
Samsung Electronics will also unlikely allow Samsung Electro-Mechanics to supply the modules directly to Apple. Some of the patents related to actuators and other components are also co-owned by Samsung Electronics, Jahwa Electronics and other suppliers.
Apple can bypass these issues such as patents by having LG InnoTek secure the components from Samsung Electro-Mechanics.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.