Apple is likely to retain the all-plastic lens system used in the iPhone X for its 2018 iPhone range, according to respected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

In a research note for KGI Securities, obtained by MacRumors, Kuo said he disagrees with market speculation that Apple will implement a 7P (seven-lens plastic) or a 2G3P (two-glass, three plastic) lens design for the rear-facing camera modules in next year's iPhone line-up.

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With its rear camera specs, iPhone X has managed to strike a phenomenal balance between picture quality and form factor design, in our opinion, given how far we've come today technologically. Switching from a 6P lens to a 7P lens or a 2G3P hybrid lens, with camera module design largely similar to iPhone X's, would make for only limited improvements in aperture performance, we believe.

In addition, Kuo believes that moving to a new 7P or hybrid lens design would incur unnecessary risk on the supply of iPhones in 2018, and Apple is unlikely to make any manufacturing choices that could bring about a repeat of the supply constraints related to this year's iPhone X.

Should Apple retain the 6P lens design on its 2018 iPhones, Kuo thinks Apple supplier Largan can expect slightly higher market share, although its leading market position will likely remain unchanged. The company commands the world's largest lens capacity, while its prowess in design and assembly can be carried toward upgrades of future generations of 7P lens or hybrid lens.

The iPhone 7 Plus was the first handset to adopt the dual-lens design, which includes a wide angle and a telephoto lens, while the iPhone 8 Plus builds on the improved performance by using a more advanced sensor module. The iPhone X camera basically uses the same design as the iPhone 8 Plus, with the exception of an additional optical image stabilization component for the telephoto lens.

Related Forum: iPhone

Top Rated Comments

JaySoul Avatar
73 months ago
Give the SAME camera specs across all the phones!
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
JosephAW Avatar
73 months ago
Who would have thought that the iPhone by now would have 3 cameras plus various environmental and spacial sensors? It's almost a tricorder.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Blackstick Avatar
73 months ago
Shouldn't the outer lens be 1G already? as in Sapphire glass?

Or was the Sapphire glass lens deprecated years ago? I actually don't see a spec detailing it anymore.
It’s quoted in the iPhone X spec sheet “sapphire crystal lens cover”
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MH01 Avatar
73 months ago
Of course they will. Have not even got the 2017 model and here we go 2018.....
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
soanis Avatar
73 months ago
Give the SAME camera specs across all the phones!
And then how will you be pushed to buy the most expensive one?
Come to your senses, for crying out loud...
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
44267547 Avatar
73 months ago
"But look at how many of his predictions are correct..."

I predict the sun will rise early tomorrow, and set a number of hours later. 100% successful predictions. Sick of hearing about the guy.
Some of his rumors were projected close to a year in advance for the iPhone 8/X about Face ID. And he's one of the most accurate, if not the most accurate analyst out there. So naturally MacRumors is going to report his insider information that he claims. If you don't like hearing about Ming Kuo or reading his predictions, then a rumor site may not likely be for you.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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