Apple may turn to LG with Sony lagging in dual-lens camera modules for 'iPhone 7 Plus'
Because of production problems, Sony is behind schedule in producing dual-lens camera modules for Apple, which may turn to LG to provide the majority of initial modules for this year's 5.5-inch "Plus" iPhone, a research analyst claimed on Friday.
"iPhone 7 Plus" dual camera design mockup by Feld & Volk.
Sony may not be able to meet its target quota because of "lower-than-expected" yields, plus damage to a production facility caused by April's earthquake in Kumamoto, said Nomura Securities' Chris Chang in a memo cited by Barron's. As a result, another regular Apple supplier -- LG Innotek -- could claim the majority of Apple's first-wave orders, he said.
Chang additionally suggested that all of Apple's upcoming 5.5-inch iPhones will use dual-lens cameras, and that people buying regular 4.7-inch models won't be left out in the cold. Those phones will come equipped with optical image stabilization, something previously reserved for "Plus" devices, the analyst predicted.
Optical image stabilization, or OIS, is a marked improvement over software stabilization, and can significantly reduce the blurriness of images shot in action or low-light conditions.
Suppliers are reportedly gearing up to ship the "iPhone 7" and "7 Plus" by the end of September, in keeping with Apple's usual iPhone launch schedule. The camera situation could potentially throw a monkey wrench in those plans, causing a delay or hampering launch inventories.
On top of a dual-lens camera, the "7 Plus" might also upgrade to an "A10" processor, 3 gigabytes of RAM, and a Smart Connector.
"iPhone 7 Plus" dual camera design mockup by Feld & Volk.
Sony may not be able to meet its target quota because of "lower-than-expected" yields, plus damage to a production facility caused by April's earthquake in Kumamoto, said Nomura Securities' Chris Chang in a memo cited by Barron's. As a result, another regular Apple supplier -- LG Innotek -- could claim the majority of Apple's first-wave orders, he said.
Chang additionally suggested that all of Apple's upcoming 5.5-inch iPhones will use dual-lens cameras, and that people buying regular 4.7-inch models won't be left out in the cold. Those phones will come equipped with optical image stabilization, something previously reserved for "Plus" devices, the analyst predicted.
Optical image stabilization, or OIS, is a marked improvement over software stabilization, and can significantly reduce the blurriness of images shot in action or low-light conditions.
Suppliers are reportedly gearing up to ship the "iPhone 7" and "7 Plus" by the end of September, in keeping with Apple's usual iPhone launch schedule. The camera situation could potentially throw a monkey wrench in those plans, causing a delay or hampering launch inventories.
On top of a dual-lens camera, the "7 Plus" might also upgrade to an "A10" processor, 3 gigabytes of RAM, and a Smart Connector.
Comments
The Nankai trough triggers a large earthquake every 100-150 years. It has been quiet for 158 years.
The article is retired reading for the Japanese their friends which includes all members of the Apple religion.
sorry i am becoming sog-like (no offense sog)
Much of the discussion for OIS focuses on photos, but I think there's an even bigger impact on videos.
youtu.be/DqQIrYISESw
The bigger issue is the modem.
If Intel has truly won the modem slot, it will be a major shift in the competitive landscape regarding iOS and Android.
Qualcomm's modem profits will be transferred to Intel. The loss of profits will hinder the development of more capable Snapdragon SOCs going forward, especially if Apple and Intel work together to develop a superior baseband product to what QCOM is able to do. With Samsung losing Apple's A series orders, their fab upgrades will slow.
It will mean that Android will
be relegated to second tier hardware.
It is a very big deal.
If Intel's 3D XPoint memory is the real deal and Apple is given initial exclusive access for its mobile devices, Google will find what little remains of their high end market where the profits are, will completely disappear.
The hardware capabilities of the iPhone and potentially the Apple Watch will seriously outperform anything that the Android manufacturers can put together.
Intel is a winner also. Such a development will seriously hamstring Google's OpenPower's project in attempting to bring out a CPU that will compete with the Xeon. That's not counting the potential of getting all of Apple's modem business to the tune of several hundred million units a year.
Google's primary problem currently concerns Amazon. But it's nice to see that Apple and Intel are now able to potentially totally eviscerate Android.
Samsung's fab capabilities are not going to fall behind, they are making so many things for so many different companies they might even be turning orders away. It wouldn't surprise me if it turned out the A10 were still being made by Samsung in significant numbers and in fact included Samsung's own modem in the SOC.
Android will not be relegated to second tier hardware, nor with a world market-share of 84% and growing, is it in any danger of being 'eviscerated'
Considering the competition has basically nothing on Apple,
at least nothing they couldn't do themselves if they wanted to, or anything that really matters,
how on earth would anything it does would improve sales?
Samsung camera has slightly better quality in good light and mostly a wash in low light.
Video, Apple is generally better.
Screen Samsung slightly better but less durable. S7 waterproof but 6s seemingly does the same without even claiming it.
Everything else, Apple wins or its a tie.
Other phone makers are not even in the ballpark.on sales and features.