Next-Generation iPhone Set to Carry 5-Megapixel Camera?

DigiTimes reports that OmniVision Technologies has secured orders from Apple for 5-megapixel camera sensors destined for the next-generation iPhone. Sources report that the OmniVision is expected to supply Apple with 40-45 million sensors in 2010 for the new iPhone, reportedly set to launch in the second half of the year.

OmniVision Technologies is expected to see CMOS image sensor (CIS) orders for Apple's iPhone devices grow to 40-45 million units in 2010 from 20-21 million estimated this year, according to industry sources. The sources said OmniVision has secured 5-megapixel CIS orders for the next-generation iPhone model, which will hit shelves sometime during the second half of 2010.

DigiTimes noted in April that OmniVision had won a contract to supply Apple with 3.2-megapixel camera sensors for what turned out to be the iPhone 3GS. That report also claimed, however, that Apple had secured 5-megapixel camera sensors at the time for an unreleased product. No signs of those 5-megapixel sensors have surfaced, although speculation obviously centered around Apple's much-rumored tablet at the time.

Just days before Apple's September media event where it introduced new iPods, DigiTimes also claimed that OmniVision would be supplying 3.2-megapixel cameras for the iPod touch, iPod nano, and iPod classic. All three claims turned out to be incorrect, however, as Apple apparently scrapped plans for including a camera in the iPod touch after the thinness of the device caused difficulties with its inclusion, the iPod nano received only a 0.3-megapixel camera, and the iPod classic failed to receive a camera at all.