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Tag: LG Innotek

  • Rumor: Sensor-shift stabilization feature could be present in all iPhone 13 models this year

    The fairly nifty sensor-shift optical image stabilization feature could be en route to each model in the iPhone 13 lineup this year.

    Per DigiTimes, the feature, which is only found on the iPhone 12 Pro Max model, could be seen from the low to the high end of the iPhone 13:

    “Apple’s next-generation iPhones slated for launch in the second half of 2021 will all come with sensor-shift stabilization technology, according to industry sources,” the story preview reads.

    Additional rumors have also indicated that at least two iPhone 13 models will be equipped with sensor-shift stabilization, and that LG Innotek is expected to remain the supplier of the necessary components.

    Apple first debuted the sensor-shift stabilization feature on the Wide lens of the iPhone 12 Pro Max. The feature stabilizes the camera’s sensor, as opposed to its lens, for greater image stabilization and improved photo quality. It’s unclear if sensor-shift stabilization would remain limited to the Wide lens on all iPhone 13 models.

    Prior to this, the feature was only available on DSLR cameras, according to Apple.

    As always, stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

    Via MacRumors, DigiTimes, and ETNews

  • Additional evidence reinforces idea of 10x optical zoom for next-gen iPhone cameras

    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.

    Via 9to5Mac, MacRumors, and The Elec

  • Rumor: Apple talking to suppliers while trying to find components for “folded camera” that could improve zoom functionality for next-gen iPhone models

    Apple is rumored to be looking towards a supplier that could offer an improved zoom feature without needing to increase the size of the camera bump in next-gen iPhones.

    The size limitations of smartphones make it hard to design camera systems that offer better features while also maintaining a minimal size. For some features, like an enhanced zoom, that requires more space than is currently offered, but that may not be the case in a future iPhone.

    The company is said to be wanting to include a triple camera system for future iPhone generations, as well as one that relies on a “folded camera” for at least one of the trio.

    Rather than use a straight line of sight between the sensor and the subject between lenses, a folded camera structure relies on a mirror or prism in the middle of the lens collection. This setup reflects the light 90 degrees, effectively working like part of a periscope and changing the sensor’s angle of view. This would allow the camera to take advantage of the length and width of the iPhone body, as opposed to fitting everything into the thickness of the body and the camera bump extension. This could also allow for an enhanced optical zoom, although the distances between the lenses and the sensor would have to be adjusted to boost magnification and focus on a subject.

    The concept has been employed by Samsung in its Galaxy S20 Ultra as well as Sunny Optical Technology in China, and it’s thought that Apple’s current relationship with Samsung as an iPhone component provider could extend their partnership into cameras. Samsung also purchased Corephotonics in 2019, making it a more attractive provider for these components.

    Per noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, as of July, Apple was said to be talking to Semco and Largan+Alps/Minebea over lens assemblies and mechanisms, with an iPhone bearing the technology potentially hitting the market by 2022.

    Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

    Via AppleInsider and ETNews

  • Rumor: Apple to combine Face ID components, create smaller “notch” in next-gen iPhones

    A new rumor has hinted towards next-gen iPhone featuring a smaller camera notch in 2019 or beyond.

    South Korea’s ETNews, citing industry sources, has stated that Apple is “looking into” combining the front-facing camera and Face ID on next year’s iPhones, a move that could certainly reduce the size of the TrueDepth sensor housing.

    The sources have indicated that Apple is looking to strengthen its face sensing function beginning with the 2019 iPhones. In essence, the company is planning to increase the number of parts that will be used for iPhones and is looking into combination of a face recognition module with a camera module.

    (more…)

  • Rumor: Next-gen iPhone to use specialized laser with rear-facing camera

    It’s a rumor, so part of it must be true…

    Apple is said to be working on implementing a specialized rear-facing laser system in its upcoming “iPhone 8” that will facilitate augmented reality applications, like those produced with ARKit, as well as faster and more accurate autofocus capabilities.

    Per a source close to the story, Apple will apply VSCEL technology to the rear-facing camera. This system, in turn, calculates distance to a target using light pulses and time of flight (TOF) measurements, would allow for extremely accurate depth mapping, a plus for AR applications.

    (more…)