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iPhone 7 Plus Likely to Have Dual-Lens Camera Based on LinX Technology
KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has issued a research note obtained by MacRumors that predicts two 5.5-inch versions of the "iPhone 7 Plus" are in development, one with a single iSight rear-facing camera and another boasting a dual-camera design.
The rumored iPhone 7 Plus model with a dual-lens camera system would take advantage of imaging algorithms that Apple acquired through its purchase of Israeli camera technology company LinX Imaging last year.
iPhone 7 mockup with dual-lens camera system (Image: Computer Bild)
LinX technology offers several improvements the iPhone 7 Plus could benefit from, including multiple sensors for a smaller size, possibly eliminating the need for a protruding camera lens. The lenses would also have better sensitivity to light and greatly improved image quality in low light.
Specifically, Kuo cites the LinX Imaging algorithm for its unique ability to achieve high-end dual-camera applications such as optical zoom simulation while sidestepping the traditional bottlenecks associated with compact camera module (CCM) assembly.
To that end, Kuo expects a 2-3x optical zoom function to feature in Apple's iPhone 7 Plus. However, owing to supply chain constraints on dual-camera modules, the KGI analyst expects the larger handset to come in single-camera and dual-camera versions.
Apple is well known for headlining improvements to the camera technology in its iPhones and showcasing their photography capabilities as a market-leading feature.
Even so, major improvements to camera technology have typically come in "S" release years, therefore it remains to be seen whether Apple chooses to include such improvements in this or the next generation of its flagship devices.
The rumored iPhone 7 Plus model with a dual-lens camera system would take advantage of imaging algorithms that Apple acquired through its purchase of Israeli camera technology company LinX Imaging last year.
LinX technology offers several improvements the iPhone 7 Plus could benefit from, including multiple sensors for a smaller size, possibly eliminating the need for a protruding camera lens. The lenses would also have better sensitivity to light and greatly improved image quality in low light.
Specifically, Kuo cites the LinX Imaging algorithm for its unique ability to achieve high-end dual-camera applications such as optical zoom simulation while sidestepping the traditional bottlenecks associated with compact camera module (CCM) assembly.
To that end, Kuo expects a 2-3x optical zoom function to feature in Apple's iPhone 7 Plus. However, owing to supply chain constraints on dual-camera modules, the KGI analyst expects the larger handset to come in single-camera and dual-camera versions.
Apple is well known for headlining improvements to the camera technology in its iPhones and showcasing their photography capabilities as a market-leading feature.
Even so, major improvements to camera technology have typically come in "S" release years, therefore it remains to be seen whether Apple chooses to include such improvements in this or the next generation of its flagship devices.
Related Roundup: iPhone 7
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Top Rated Comments
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45 months ago
If this does turn out to be true and is limited to the plus model only.
Is anyone willing to riot with me ?
Is anyone willing to riot with me ?
45 months ago
Please Apple, don't tie certain features to a larger screen size.
Just don't.
Just don't.
45 months ago
I hope Apple doesn't go Larger = Better way, I'd hate to miss out this tech just 'cause I don't want a large sized phone.
45 months ago
Save your time and money for the bigger model, it's cheaper than rioting.
The majority (given that 4.7 inches is the most popular one) evidently don't want to carry a massive brick for a phone. Did it perhaps ever occur to you that it's not a question of money?
45 months ago
Might as well stick it into the iPad mini too, then we can all look like idiots taking photos with giant devices.
45 months ago
The majority (given that 4.7 inches is the most popular one) evidently don't want to carry a massive brick for a phone. Did it perhaps ever occur to you that it's not a question of money?
Well, then you'll just have to settle for an inferior camera. There are advantages to owning a big phone (and no, it's not a massive brick).
Apple left out OIS on the 4.7" because it just wouldn't fit inside the body. This will likely be the same.
45 months ago
Would be more than happy to see anything end the protruding camera design flaw.
45 months ago
You're right. It's not a massive brick. It's a massive piece of Texas Toast. To this day I still laugh at dweebs holding them up to their ears.
A lot of 5.5" envy/hate here.
I used to think the Plus would be too massive, but I went from the 6 to the 6s Plus and I adapted to it in about a week. After that, I stopped feeling the negatives of the heavier weight and larger size - I handle it as naturally as I did the smaller iPhones. I love it. And now all smaller phones look too small to me.
Just because you opted for a smaller phone doesn't mean that all other options are terrible. But of course, that's human nature - bash the thing you didn't choose so that you feel better about your choice. That's true in all things - politics, tech, religion, movies, tv shows, music, sports... Doesn't it get tiring caring about what other people like?
45 months ago
If this does turn out to be true and is limited to the plus model only.
Is anyone willing to riot with me ?
Save your time and money for the bigger model, it's cheaper than rioting.
45 months ago
If this does turn out to be true and is limited to the plus model only.
Is anyone willing to riot with me ?
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