Per Apple analyst/supply chain seer Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is working on a major camera upgrade for the iPhone in 2022, the flagship handset being expected to feature a 48-megapixel sensor.
In a note to investors on Wednesday, Kuo predicts Apple’s top-tier “iPhone 14″ models to adopt a 1/1.3” 48MP CMOS image sensor for wide angle camera module duties. Apple typically concentrates on wide angle camera technology first, with the benefits trickling down to telephoto and ultra-wide angle systems in subsequent years.
It’s thought that the sensor could support hybrid operating modes to maximize pixel size as well as capitalize on its light-gathering features.
Per Kuo:
“We believe that the new 2H22 iPhone may support direct 48MP output and 12MP (four cells merge output mode) output simultaneously. With 12MP output, the CIS pixel size of the new 2H22 iPhone increases to about 2.5um, which is significantly larger than the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13, and larger than existing Android phones, and close to the DSC level.”
The updated sensor is expected to support 8K video recording, which marks a significant upgrade over the iPhone’s current 4K limit. While frame rates were not mentioned in Kuo’s note, the analyst stated that he believes the addition will behoove augmented reality devices, an area Apple is said to be rumored to enter in the near future.
Kuo stated that existing supplier Sony will product the forthcoming sensor, with LG manufacturing the compact camera module (CCM).
Finally, Kuo suggests Apple will discontinue the iPhone mini line in 2022, offering only 6.1- and 6.7-inch variants of the base model and “Pro” series.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.
Via AppleInsider