Apple's 'iPad 5' and 'iPad mini 2' to sport iPhone-quality 8MP cameras, Sony to supply sensors
According to a report from KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple's iPad and iPad mini will both sport 8 megapixel rear cameras with new lens elements from Genius and Largan, and AppleInsider has independently learned the sensor modules will be provided solely by Sony.
In his note to investors, Kuo predicts Apple will launch the so-called "iPad 5" and "iPad mini 2" later in quarter four, with upgraded 8MP shooters and enhanced lens elements. Separately, an inside source tells AppleInsider that Sony nabbed all sensor orders bound for the next-generation tablets.
With the new Sony sensors, Apple will bump resolution to 8MP, up from 5MP in the fourth-generation iPad and iPad mini. The boosted specs will be a first for Apple, which traditionally fields tablets with cameras comparatively lower in resolution than the flagship iPhone.
The source did not specify what type of module will be used, but it can be speculated that Apple will employ a backside illuminated component, possibly with larger 1.5-micron pixels, as seen in the iPhone 5s.
As for Kuo's report, the analyst believes Apple will rely on camera upgrades to further differentiate the iPad from competitors in a tablet market becoming increasingly crowded with high-spec Android devices.
Apple's previous ace in the hole, the Retina display, has been effectively implemented by a number of other manufacturers. Most recently, Amazon's 7-inch and 8.9-inch Kindle Fire HDX tablets boast pixel densities of 323 ppi and 339 ppi, respectively, much higher than the 264 ppi found in Apple's fourth-generation iPad.
Along with the sensor buff, Kuo notes the iPad 5 will sport an updated five-element lens module with larger aperture manufactured by Genius Optics and Largan. The two firms are responsible for the optics used in Apple's iPhone 5s and 5c.
Finally, Kuo forecasts shipments of the iPad 5 at 1.2 million units and 10.5 million units for the third and fourth quarter, respectively. The iPad mini 2 stands at zero units in quarter three and 2.1 million units in quarter four. This last metric aligns with a report earlier today that claimed the mini would see severe supply constraints if launched this year.
In his note to investors, Kuo predicts Apple will launch the so-called "iPad 5" and "iPad mini 2" later in quarter four, with upgraded 8MP shooters and enhanced lens elements. Separately, an inside source tells AppleInsider that Sony nabbed all sensor orders bound for the next-generation tablets.
With the new Sony sensors, Apple will bump resolution to 8MP, up from 5MP in the fourth-generation iPad and iPad mini. The boosted specs will be a first for Apple, which traditionally fields tablets with cameras comparatively lower in resolution than the flagship iPhone.
The source did not specify what type of module will be used, but it can be speculated that Apple will employ a backside illuminated component, possibly with larger 1.5-micron pixels, as seen in the iPhone 5s.
As for Kuo's report, the analyst believes Apple will rely on camera upgrades to further differentiate the iPad from competitors in a tablet market becoming increasingly crowded with high-spec Android devices.
Apple's previous ace in the hole, the Retina display, has been effectively implemented by a number of other manufacturers. Most recently, Amazon's 7-inch and 8.9-inch Kindle Fire HDX tablets boast pixel densities of 323 ppi and 339 ppi, respectively, much higher than the 264 ppi found in Apple's fourth-generation iPad.
Along with the sensor buff, Kuo notes the iPad 5 will sport an updated five-element lens module with larger aperture manufactured by Genius Optics and Largan. The two firms are responsible for the optics used in Apple's iPhone 5s and 5c.
Finally, Kuo forecasts shipments of the iPad 5 at 1.2 million units and 10.5 million units for the third and fourth quarter, respectively. The iPad mini 2 stands at zero units in quarter three and 2.1 million units in quarter four. This last metric aligns with a report earlier today that claimed the mini would see severe supply constraints if launched this year.
Comments
Selling the iPad and iPad mini this weekend in prep for the new ones.
As I've said before I'll be bummed if Apple updates the mini but still no retina display. I think if you asked people the #1 thing they'd like to see with the 2nd gen mini it would be retina display.
Any rumors on adding the finger print sensor in the new iPads? Seems like a no brainer, but I've not seen any rumors.
Why update the camera and not add a flash? I never use mine for taking photos, but many folks do. And if you update the camera they should definitely add a flash for better photos.
Any rumors on adding the finger print sensor in the new iPads? Seems like a no brainer, but I've not seen any rumors.
http://www.macrumors.com/2013/10/02/new-video-explores-possibility-of-touch-id-in-fifth-generation-ipad/
Ummm didn't quarter 3 (fiscal quarter 4 for Apple) just end. How is Apple supposed to ship 1.2 million units of an unreleased product in a quarter that's already over??
People taking photos with an iPad should be shot...with a proper camera and put on some Hall of Shame site!
Agree. I'd prefer a higher res camera on the front, none on the back. There's no way in hell I'd take a picture with an ipad. Never have
Don't most people carrying an iPad usually have an iPhone on them? Just get rid of that iPad 2 already and give me a Retina iPad mini, Tim.
iPad mini: $299
iPad mini 2-Retina: $399
Would I like a Retina mini cheaper? Of course, but look at that iPhone 5c pricing.
The analyst probably meant calendar quarter, rather than fiscal quarter. This confusion happens a lot and it would be helpful if articles would specify which type of quarter they are referencing.
Good, because it obviously won’t be. Enough FUD.
I cannot believe this will be Apple's big upgrade for the year, especially in the mini. If it is, I'm afraid for the future. No none is waiting with baited breathe for a better camera. This will be a (relative) flop IF that's it.
I bet baited breath stinks.
People taking photos with an iPad should be shot...with a proper camera and put on some Hall of Shame site!
The best camera in the world is the one you have with you at the time...
"Hey look, a UFO !!!"
"Dang it dude, all I have with me is the new iPad 5 with slomo and 8 meg of big-assed pixels, too bad I don't have a proper camera so I could take a picture..."
I bet baited breath stinks.
Yeah it does, but how else can you keep your worms warm??