Apple Camera Lens Supplier Confirms 3D Sensing Module Shipments Coming in 2017, Likely for iPhone 8

[MacRumors]

Largan Precision, one of the current suppliers for the iPhone's camera lens component, today confirmed that it will ship lenses for 3D sensing modules in the second half of 2017, suggesting inclusion in the next-generation "iPhone 8." The confirmation comes from Largan CEO Adam Lin, who refrained from mentioning which company exactly the modules would be allocated for (via Nikkei).

The list of companies available is very short, according to analyst Jeff Pu, who pointed out that Apple is expected to be the only company in the world to launch a smartphone with a 3D sensing module in 2017. In total, Pu estimated that Largan is set to supply 90 percent of the iPhone's rear camera lenses, 50 percent of its 3D sensing lenses, and up to 30 percent of the front-facing camera lenses.

A mockup of the iPhone 8's front-facing camera and sensors via @VenyaGeskin1​

The features and design of the iPhone 8's front-facing sensor bar have remained one of the more uncertain aspects of renderings and mockups over the past few weeks. It's still unclear whether the iPhone 8 will include a dual-lens front-facing camera or keep the single-lens of current generation devices.

The inclusion of a 3D sensing module further confuses things, since it hasn't been suggested whether or not the technology would be directly integrated into the camera lens, or added onto the side among the ambient light sensor and proximity sensor. Pu's data appears to suggest the latter outcome.

Key iPhone camera lens provider Largan Precision on Wednesday confirmed it would ship lenses for 3-D sensing modules in the second half of this year, according to the company's chief executive.

"We will have lenses for 3-D sensing [module used in smartphone] ready to ship in the second half this year," said Adam Lin, Largan's chief executive in a press conference after the company's annual general meeting.

A 3D sensing front-facing camera has been a rumored feature of the iPhone 8 since February, when KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported that the upcoming iPhone will gain a "revolutionary" front-facing camera system that consists of three modules that enable fully-featured 3D sensing capabilities. The technology's applications could include facial and iris recognition features.

LG has been named as one of the other potential suppliers of 3D modules for the iPhone 8. If the biometric sensing features do arrive in iPhone 8, they're believed to be fueled by technology that Apple acquired from Israeli company PrimeSense in 2013. PrimeSense is known as the creator of the original 3D body sensing technology used in Microsoft's first-generation Kinect peripheral for Xbox 360.

Article Link: Apple Camera Lens Supplier Confirms 3D Sensing Module Shipments Coming in 2017, Likely for iPhone 8

 

[robinp]

First mock ups I've seen that make sense with the sensor and speaker cut out. Obvious that it should be black

 

[Analog Kid]

Apple is expected to be the only company in the world to launch a smartphone with a 3D sensing module in 2017

https://www.theverge.com/2016/10/27/13443030/google-tango-lenovo-phab-2-pro-ship-date-november-1

https://www.asus.com/us/Phone/ZenFone-AR-ZS571KL/

Not saying other signs don't point to Apple, and technically the Lenovo launched in 2016, but Apple is not expected to be the only smartphone with a 3D sensing module in 2017...

Personally, I'm not keen on a user facing 3D imager...

 

[BMcCoy]

First mock ups I've seen that make sense with the sensor and speaker cut out. Obvious that it should be black

Yup, with the status bar in black (which will be a deep black, thanks to the OLED screen) that looks very nice, and makes sense as you say.

 

[Avieshek]

Let's hope, the front camera gets a megapixel upgrade, as same as the rear one.

 

[Pearus]

Yup, with the status bar in black (which will be a deep black, thanks to the OLED screen) that looks very nice, and makes sense as you say.

Would be the perfect design, from all of the leaks it seems like it’s going to be the most perfected iPhone iteration yet. Massive upgrade in space efficiency making this thing one giant clicky screen with the precise Taptic Engine that I love, hopefully that will even get some boosts. Literally takemymoney.jpg hype right now.

 

[idmean]

First mock ups I've seen that make sense with the sensor and speaker cut out. Obvious that it should be black

That’s what I thought too, until I noticed the clock below the camera...

 

[applesith]

3D sensing camera, super thin bezels and ARKit.

Looks like Apple is finally getting into the AR/VR market this Fall. While a headset makes it more immersive, I can see Apple making the best AR/VR experience directly on a phone screen. Seems less clumsy than a headset.

 

[Return Zero]

That’s what I thought too, until I noticed the clock below the camera...

Yeah... I think this idea is possible, but no way would they waste a whole row of pixels just to have the clock in the middle.

 

[epca12]

First mock ups I've seen that make sense with the sensor and speaker cut out. Obvious that it should be black

I think it explains the move from circles to more compact bars

 

[jclardy]

First mock ups I've seen that make sense with the sensor and speaker cut out. Obvious that it should be black

Yeah agreed, especially if this is OLED you will barely be able to notice the transition.

Having dual front facing cameras could be huge for Apple. Portrait mode is already awesome, but now you enable portrait mode selfies...

Also for AR this means they should be able to map out objects "in front of" the AR objects. Meaning if you hold out your hand the 3d model won't be rendered on top of your hand as it does in the current version.

 

[ILikeAllOS]

First mock ups I've seen that make sense with the sensor and speaker cut out. Obvious that it should be black

I've said this multiple times and people keep saying I am wrong.
Look at this response I got...
https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...rt-leaks-surface.2050592/page-8#post-24682878

 

[FactVsOpinion]

First mock ups I've seen that make sense with the sensor and speaker cut out. Obvious that it should be black

Agreed. Except that the space below that previously housed signal strength and battery could be put to better use and not simply left blank. Also, the time would need a new home.

 

[EdT]

3D sensing camera, super thin bezels and ARKit.

Looks like Apple is finally getting into the AR/VR market this Fall. While a headset makes it more immersive, I can see Apple making the best AR/VR experience directly on a phone screen. Seems less clumsy than a headset.

Won't be as immersive. Will be a lot more practical if you're walking or driving through, although it would still be a distraction.

 

[tito2020]

https://www.theverge.com/2016/10/27/13443030/google-tango-lenovo-phab-2-pro-ship-date-november-1

https://www.asus.com/us/Phone/ZenFone-AR-ZS571KL/

Not saying other signs don't point to Apple, and technically the Lenovo launched in 2016, but Apple is not expected to be the only smartphone with a 3D sensing module in 2017...

Personally, I'm not keen on a user facing 3D imager...

3d was 2015 technology

 

[Sbu]

iPhone 8 will no doubt be the best phone in the market by far. For few years now I've been waiting for apple to bring the Oled display and wireless charging (better one )to the iPhone and also get rid of the ugly bezels. The above mentioned features are enough to make us iPhone fans excited but it looks like we will get more! 3D camera and AR on iPhone may completely change the mobile industry given Apple track record on improving existing technology (multi-touch screens, touch ID etc.)

 

[Analog Kid]

3d was 2015 technology

I don't agree with that. I'm not sure it's even 2017 technology. We've been able to get depth images long before 2015, but nobody seems to be able to make good use of them yet.

The introduction of ARKit does suggest that Apple is thinking in this direction though...

 

[WRChris]

Largan Precision, one of the current suppliers for the iPhone's camera lens component, today confirmed that it will ship lenses for 3D sensing modules in the second half of 2017, suggesting inclusion in the next-generation "iPhone 8." The confirmation comes from Largan CEO Adam Lin, who refrained from mentioning which company exactly the modules would be allocated for (via Nikkei).

The list of companies available is very short, according to analyst Jeff Pu, who pointed out that Apple is expected to be the only company in the world to launch a smartphone with a 3D sensing module in 2017. In total, Pu estimated that Largan is set to supply 90 percent of the iPhone's rear camera lenses, 50 percent of its 3D sensing lenses, and up to 30 percent of the front-facing camera lenses.

A mockup of the iPhone 8's front-facing camera and sensors via @VenyaGeskin1​

The features and design of the iPhone 8's front-facing sensor bar have remained one of the more uncertain aspects of renderings and mockups over the past few weeks. It's still unclear whether the iPhone 8 will include a dual-lens front-facing camera or keep the single-lens of current generation devices.

The inclusion of a 3D sensing module further confuses things, since it hasn't been suggested whether or not the technology would be directly integrated into the camera lens, or added onto the side among the ambient light sensor and proximity sensor. Pu's data appears to suggest the latter outcome.
A 3D sensing front-facing camera has been a rumored feature of the iPhone 8 since February, when KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported that the upcoming iPhone will gain a "revolutionary" front-facing camera system that consists of three modules that enable fully-featured 3D sensing capabilities. The technology's applications could include facial and iris recognition features.

LG has been named as one of the other potential suppliers of 3D modules for the iPhone 8. If the biometric sensing features do arrive in iPhone 8, they're believed to be fueled by technology that Apple acquired from Israeli company PrimeSense in 2013. PrimeSense is known as the creator of the original 3D body sensing technology used in Microsoft's first-generation Kinect peripheral for Xbox 360.

Article Link: Apple Camera Lens Supplier Confirms 3D Sensing Module Shipments Coming in 2017, Likely for iPhone 8

I hope Apple doesn't make that big bezel on top that doesn't match the rest of the phone. It looks so much better with the small bezel and camera cutout, in my opinion. And with that design you could always have the status bar showing and it would take no screen real estate.

 

[djlythium]

First mock ups I've seen that make sense with the sensor and speaker cut out. Obvious that it should be black

Word.
[doublepost=1497473568][/doublepost]

That’s what I thought too, until I noticed the clock below the camera...

Ugh, you're right.
[doublepost=1497473889][/doublepost]What about removing the cell & wifi signal bars? Do we all really need those these days?

I find my wifi is always on, as well as cell, so what's the purpose of having those icons? Once removed, that'd be a perfect place for the time.

Thoughts? I know others may need those icons; I just wonder why.

 

[BMcCoy]

Would be the perfect design, from all of the leaks it seems like it’s going to be the most perfected iPhone iteration yet. Massive upgrade in space efficiency making this thing one giant clicky screen with the precise Taptic Engine that I love, hopefully that will even get some boosts. Literally takemymoney.jpg hype right now.

If only the camera lens was flush, and the edges were straight/chamfered rather than super-slippy curved..,
And a headphone socket...

THEN I might be interested.

Until then, I'll stick with my very good iPhone SE.

 

[macduke]

First mock ups I've seen that make sense with the sensor and speaker cut out. Obvious that it should be black

Yeah, except some people will complain about the carrier not being visible since they roam all the time, switch sims, etc. Personally, I'd love for the carrier name to be removed, or at least have an option for it, and have things like Wi-Fi calling or roaming be replaced with an icon. I also don't need an icon to show that I have an alarm clock set. I literally have one set every day—I don't need an icon to tell me that. It has been there on my iPhone since June 2007! It's useless. I'd also like an option to disable showing the BT icon. My BT is always on because I wear an Apple Watch daily, and use AirPods all the time.

This mockup does look very nice. Hopefully we end up with something like this.

 

[Analog Kid]

Yeah, except some people will complain about the carrier not being visible since they roam all the time, switch sims, etc. Personally, I'd love for the carrier name to be removed, or at least have an option for it, and have things like Wi-Fi calling or roaming be replaced with an icon. I also don't need an icon to show that I have an alarm clock set. I literally have one set every day—I don't need an icon to tell me that. It has been there on my iPhone since June 2007! It's useless. I'd also like an option to disable showing the BT icon. My BT is always on because I wear an Apple Watch daily, and use AirPods all the time.

This mockup does look very nice. Hopefully we end up with something like this.

Don't touch my alarm clock icon! It's the only thing that gives me peace of mind when I wake up in the dead of night before an important engagement and can't remember if I set my alarm.

I generally agree with the carrier name-- especially the longer ones. Wasted space. I suspect some of it may be an arrangement with the carriers that their name needs to be shown for marketing purposes? Just a fixed width logo should be enough...

 

[omihek]

I had an HTC Evo 3D way back in 2011 when dinosaurs roamed the earth. I actually really liked the 3D photos it would take. If Apple can make them look just as good or better I will be more inclined to upgrade my phone this year.

 

[jermwhl]

Don't touch my alarm clock icon! It's the only thing that gives me peace of mind when I wake up in the dead of night before an important engagement and can't remember if I set my alarm.

I generally agree with the carrier name-- especially the longer ones. Wasted space. I suspect some of it may be an arrangement with the carriers that their name needs to be shown for marketing purposes? Just a fixed width logo should be enough...

I would say we need the option of what we want displayed. I LOVE the idea of a carrier logo, rather than spelling it out. And I like my BT logo as I sync my garmin watch after a daily run and watch for the BT logo to light up when my watch syncs (nice to have, not required, I suppose). I also sometimes rely on my alarm clock icon, although I could live without that, personally. Obviously everyone's needs differ, so having it customize able makes the most sense. Although I guess not ALL icons would necessarily be able to be enabled at the same time.

Assuming these mockups/rumors are accurate, I guess this is also the end of a white-faced iPhone? I personally have always had black, so no sweat off my brow, but I know quite a few people that prefer white. But I can't see white bezel/earpiece as that would stand out horribly.

 

[Michaelgtrusa]

What happened to Sony?