Apple to Begin Testing Dual-Lens Camera Samples for iPhone 7 Plus

Tuesday February 2, 2016 4:36 am PST by Tim Hardwick
Taiwan-based Largan Technology as well as Japan- and China-based camera lens makers have sent dual-lens camera test samples to Apple for potential inclusion in its next-generation iPhone, according to sources from the upstream supply chain (via DigiTimes).

The same source notes that Largan currently supplies over 60 percent of Apple's smartphone cameras, leading some market analysts to believe Apple is seeking dual-camera products from other makers to lower potential risks.

iPhone-7-Dual-Camera
iPhone 7 mockup with dual-lens camera system (Image: Computer Bild)

Taiwan-based website DigiTimes has a mixed track record at reporting on Apple's upcoming product plans, but its sources within the upstream supply chain have proven reliable in the past.

The report also follows predictions by KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo that 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.

Tags: cameras, digitimes.com
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American Hero
52 months ago
I won't even get my hopes up. Ever since Tim Cook has taken over as CEO, most of the product announcements have been pretty boring. Especially the one in 2011. I understand Steve Jobs was on life support then, but it was a pretty underwhelming event with a small crowd, and also a very disappointing phone announcement.

Tim just doesn't seem excited about the products as much as he should be. I miss that in Steve Jobs. Tim doesn't know anything about technology-- he's just a business man that knows how to handle finances. The head of a company like Apple should be a technology visionary, and an enthusiast.

Get back to the sexy design and a relatively bug free OS with the iPhone 7. Stand out from the other smartphones so people actually have a reason to respect the iPhone again.
Rating: 12 Votes
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groovyd
52 months ago
if 2 lenses is good 4 should be great. can't wait for the lens wars to begin. in the news the 14 lens iPhone 10 bests the 16 lens samsung 10 in low light conditions, story at 8.
Rating: 9 Votes
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1Zach1
52 months ago
A bit late in the year to be sending samples, no? I don't believe it's going to be included in the 7 series. If this does end up being true for the 8, and the wireless at a distance also ends up being true, that would be a heck of a iPhone 8 release.
Rating: 7 Votes
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Merkyworks
52 months ago
It is complete BS that only the "plus" models get camera upgrades, I am becoming less and less of an :apple: fan as of late.
Rating: 7 Votes
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Moorepheus
52 months ago

Get rid of the sim and you got all the space you need. Not gonna buy the plus version even if they put an integrated projector. It's a joke, not a phone. Something this big is nowhere close to be usable (and the 4.7'' is already too big -I got an iPhone 6-)


While you have a right to how you feel about the size of the phone, it is not JOKE, just not preferred by you. I have been using the 6 Plus since they came out (Have 6s Plus now). After a year with the Plus, IMO, I can't every imagine going back to the smaller versions of it. I looked at my G/F 5 and it felt so tiny, so obsolete. When she upgraded to the 6s (not the plus), at first she didn't like that it was bigger then then 5, but after a few weeks, she absolutely loves the 6s size. Size is a matter of personal preference. I think the 6s Plus is a perfect size for me, maybe not for you, but it is ABSOLUTELY NOT A JOKE!
Rating: 6 Votes
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Pilgrim1099
52 months ago

I won't even get my hopes up. Ever since Tim Cook has taken over as CEO, most of the product announcements have been pretty boring. Especially the one in 2011. I understand Steve Jobs was on life support then, but it was a pretty underwhelming event with a small crowd, and also a very disappointing phone announcement.

Tim just doesn't seem excited about the products as much as he should be. I miss that in Steve Jobs. Tim doesn't know anything about technology-- he's just a business man that knows how to handle finances. The head of a company like Apple should be a technology visionary, and an enthusiast.

Get back to the sexy design and a relatively bug free OS with the iPhone 7. Stand out from the other smartphones so people actually have a reason to respect the iPhone again.


This is what I've been saying about Cook for a long, long time. He was the wrong guy to be sitting at the CEO chair. Brilliant supply chain guy does not necessarily translate to being a good CEO. I'm more concerned about Jeff Williams who is apparently next in line. He and Cook both attended the same college.

Something about those two doesn't seem right. Jony, I think, should leave Apple and go independent with his own design agency. He's getting burnt out and I think Apple needs a new design language without his presence.
Rating: 5 Votes
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yaboyac29
52 months ago

It is complete BS that only the "plus" models get camera upgrades, I am becoming less and less of an :apple: fan as of late.


Do you go to the car dealership and bitch about the high end model of a car getting all the features??

You HAVE the option to buy the better iPhone just like everyone else. Stop crying.
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Get rid of the sim and you got all the space you need. Not gonna buy the plus version even if they put an integrated projector. It's a joke, not a phone. Something this big is nowhere close to be usable (and the 4.7'' is already too big -I got an iPhone 6-)


You forgot "in your opinion"

I think that people who don't like the 5.5" are a joke because they're so close minded that they don't see others may have different opinions.
Rating: 5 Votes
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Dave245
52 months ago
I think this is where people are getting confused with the 2 iPhone Plus models, Apple may not have decided which one they want to release in September and are testing the 2 models, so basically we may see a dual camera iPhone Plus or we may not depending on how the testing goes. At least that's what i'm taking from this report.
Rating: 5 Votes
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Popeye206
52 months ago
This is a very cool feature if this happens!
Rating: 5 Votes
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Costino1
52 months ago
SKUs, SKUs, SKUs....

Really hope the dual camera comes with all iPhone 7's and not just a variant of the 7 with an added price tag.

"Hey is that the iPhone 7?"

"No no no...It's the iPhone 7+ Dual Camera Edition Rose Pink 64gb"
Rating: 5 Votes

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