Apple Turns to LG as Sony Falls Behind on Dual-Lens Camera Production for iPhone 7 Plus

[duffman9000]

The word "rumor" may mean something to you?

Unfortunately, it may not be just rumor. Remember the first shots of the 6? Few of us wanted to believe Apple would produce a phone with a camera bump, but that's what happened.

I wonder what percentage of people use cases. With a case you never notice the bump, but with a case you never get a feel for the phone. Also, with a case, the back of the phone can be butt ugly and I would never care. Maybe Apple knows this.

 

[elmaco]

Dual camera has little value to me.

Better battery life or wireless charging, think 5 feet away, would be much more valuable

 

[uid15]

Unfortunately, it may not be just rumor. Remember the first shots of the 6? Few of us wanted to believe Apple would produce a phone with a camera bump, but that's what happened.

I wonder what percentage of people use cases. With a case you never notice the bump, but with a case you never get a feel for the phone. Also, with a case, the back of the phone can be butt ugly and I would never care. Maybe Apple knows this.

It "may not" be, but the word "may" indicates that it MAY be - and since none of know which side to err on, as I said, it's a rumour until it's proven.

 

[asleep]

iPhone Pro???

Don't do this, Apple.

 

[Howyalikdemapls]

the iPhone 7 launch is going to be a mess... One phone clearly will have more hardware features than another, design looks to be pretty much the same, probably will still be 16gb models

There's no way Apple will release another 16gb flagship phone. Not a chance. I'll bet money on that.

 

[citysnaps]

Unfortunately, it may not be just rumor. Remember the first shots of the 6? Few of us wanted to believe Apple would produce a phone with a camera bump, but that's what happened.

I wonder what percentage of people use cases. With a case you never notice the bump, but with a case you never get a feel for the phone. Also, with a case, the back of the phone can be butt ugly and I would never care. Maybe Apple knows this.

I've used a case on all of my phones. Much prefer the feel and the extra protection a case provides. I think many people use cases for the same reason.

With respect to the camera bump, I really don't care. If I didn't use a case, I still wouldn't hold my phone in front of me in wonder as it were a piece of art, marvel at the design, and stroke it affectionately. Maybe that's what you were referring to with respect to "the feel of the phone?" If that's a huge part of one's phone ownership (over more important technical aspects), then I'm sure the camera bump would be a deal-killer.

I just want an excellent camera (I'm a photographer and make photographs everyday), with a large screen, decent weight, and decent battery life. My 6+ gives me that. I also like the phone's system integration so I can instantly AirDrop photos to my computers for processing in Lightroom when I'm not processing them in the local phone app I use (Polarr).

Looking forward to the dual camera on the next phone and likely improved display. If there's a bump it certainly won't be me trippin'. That'll be those who are into fondling their phone.

 

[Howyalikdemapls]

the iPhone 7 launch is going to be a mess... One phone clearly will have more hardware features than another, design looks to be pretty much the same, probably will still be 16gb models

The iPhone 7 will definitely start with at least 32gb. I'll bet stacks of cash on that. They like to drag us along with incremental upgrades, but they know when they've pushed it far enough.
[doublepost=1463848277][/doublepost]

Chris Chang of Nomura Securities has issued a note to investors claiming that Sony may be running behind schedule in terms of supplying Apple with dual-lens camera modules for the next-generation 5.5-inch iPhone, which rumors suggest may be called the iPhone 7 Plus or iPhone Pro.Chang believes that Apple will instead turn to LG as its primary supplier of dual-lens camera modules for the larger-sized iPhone expected to launch in September.

Both investment bank Nomura Securities and research firm Citi Research believe all 5.5-inch iPhones will be equipped with dual-lens camera modules, rather than just one model, echoing comments made by KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo earlier this month.

Kuo previously said that Apple had two 5.5-inch versions of the iPhone 7 Plus in development, including one with a single iSight rear-facing camera and another boasting a dual-lens camera module, but he has since recanted. Meanwhile, the 4.7-inch iPhone 7 is widely expected to retain a single-lens camera.

Nomura Securities also believes that Apple will include optical image stabilization (OIS) on both the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch iPhone, whereas the feature has been exclusive to the larger iPhone 6 Plus and iPhone 6s Plus over the past two generations.

Leaked images, components, and renders potentially offer a first look at Apple's dual-lens camera system, but rumors have been conflicting about the exact design.

The switch to dual-lens camera modules has been linked to Apple's acquisition of LinX Technology, which could lead to "DSLR-quality" photos on iPhones. LinX's multi-aperture cameras are also smaller sized than single-aperture cameras, meaning the iPhone 7 Plus could have a slightly less protruding camera lens.

LinX camera modules offer a number of other benefits, including 3D depth mapping, better color accuracy and uniformity, ultra HDR, low noise levels, higher resolution, low costs, zero shutter lag, and a compact design that allows for edge-to-edge displays. A recent video demo provides a good overview of dual-camera technology.

Apple recently patented a dual-camera system consisting of one standard wide-angle lens, similar to what is found in the latest iPhones, and a second telephoto lens capable of capturing zoomed-in video and photos. In a recent video, we visualized what the interface could look like on future iOS devices.

Dual-camera smartphones like the Huawei P9 and P9 Plus are expected to inspire "killer apps" from smartphone manufacturers and third-party developers.

Article Link: Apple Turns to LG as Sony Falls Behind on Dual-Lens Camera Production for iPhone 7 Plus

There are just too many rumors and leaks supporting each other these days. It's almost a certainty this is what it will look like, but this is a terrible photograph. I really don't think it will look any worse than the 6S+.

Somewhat unrelated: Have you all seen the "leaked" images of the 4.7" version?
http://blogs-images.forbes.com/amitchowdhry/files/2016/05/iPhone-7-Leak.jpg
It has an additional hole in the back underneath the speaker. Some are speculating it could be laser focus. Any other thoughts? I don't know what laser focus would bring to the table, so I'm hoping for something awesome there. It does seem odd that the photo of the 5.5" version doesn't have that extra dot though, so maybe one of these is wrong.

Also, some renderings of the iPhone 7 make it look pretty nice, although extremely similar to the iPhone 6/6S:
http://cdn.gsmarena.com/imgroot/news/16/05/iphone-7-renders/-728w1/gsmarena_001.jpg
http://cdn.gsmarena.com/imgroot/news/16/05/iphone-7-renders/-324w2/gsmarena_003.jpg
http://cdn.gsmarena.com/imgroot/news/16/05/iphone-7-renders/-324w2/gsmarena_002.jpg

 

[smacrumon]

If that's it, what an ugly compromised device Apple is about to unleash onto the world. Spots, bands and protrusions... Do not line up for this hunk of junk.

 

[pianophile]

The nasty back bump just got bigger. DISGUSTING.

99% of all buyers put a case on the phone and never noticed the "bump" again, if they ever had in the first place.

 

[B4U]

I remember LG made an Android phone like 5 years ago with 2 camera lens.
But that was for 3D...

 

[Orka]

I have bad experience with LG products. They tend to break next day warranty ends. Hope it changed these days..

 

[AdamskiUK]

There's no way Apple will release another 16gb flagship phone. Not a chance. I'll bet money on that.

I'll take it when the time comes.

 

[asfdasdf]

99% of all buyers put a case on the phone and never noticed the "bump" again, if they ever had in the first place.

Hey you're right. Apple, make this phone out of cardboard and plastic, all buyers put a case and never notice the material or bumps. And now that you're at it, go back to 5-10 gb for base storage, like the original iPod, it's retro cool, and what matters is user experience, not specs. It would be nice to keep lower resolutions, it's almost a gift to sell the iPhone with an almost HD screen considering the 1000USD thunderbolt display has no much more resolution, and keep lower amounts of ram too since only fools use more than one tab at a time. If they want a more tab-capable mobile device they better buy the macbook without ports, and then if they need a notebook they can buy a macbook pro with solid haswell processors.

 

[michial]

I could give a crap about this feature. I'd like a similar camera to the S7 for better low light. Make it a little thicker with no bump and a bigger battery, and keep the 3.5 jack too. Refine it and make the battery a beast in the 7 like its been in the plus models.

 

[smacrumon]

99% of all buyers put a case on the phone and never noticed the "bump" again, if they ever had in the first place.

99%? Not from what I've seen. My experience is 25-50% use a case with the lower % probably closer to being accurate.
The bump is unsightly, ugly and just poor design. The way it appears like a stuck on ring and not incorporated into the back panel suggests there is no love in that design whatsoever. Products with zero love is the specialty of Apple's competitors, not Apple.
[doublepost=1463870540][/doublepost]

The iPhone 7 will definitely start with at least 32gb. I'll bet stacks of cash on that. They like to drag us along with incremental upgrades, but they know when they've pushed it far enough.
[doublepost=1463848277][/doublepost]

There are just too many rumors and leaks supporting each other these days. It's almost a certainty this is what it will look like, but this is a terrible photograph. I really don't think it will look any worse than the 6S+.

Somewhat unrelated: Have you all seen the "leaked" images of the 4.7" version?
http://blogs-images.forbes.com/amitchowdhry/files/2016/05/iPhone-7-Leak.jpg
It has an additional hole in the back underneath the speaker. Some are speculating it could be laser focus. Any other thoughts? I don't know what laser focus would bring to the table, so I'm hoping for something awesome there. It does seem odd that the photo of the 5.5" version doesn't have that extra dot though, so maybe one of these is wrong.

Also, some renderings of the iPhone 7 make it look pretty nice, although extremely similar to the iPhone 6/6S:
http://cdn.gsmarena.com/imgroot/news/16/05/iphone-7-renders/-728w1/gsmarena_001.jpg
http://cdn.gsmarena.com/imgroot/news/16/05/iphone-7-renders/-324w2/gsmarena_003.jpg
http://cdn.gsmarena.com/imgroot/news/16/05/iphone-7-renders/-324w2/gsmarena_002.jpg

I'm betting they are skipping 32 GB and going straight to 64 GB in a surprise move to quieten all the rumblings and displeasure.
[doublepost=1463871322][/doublepost]

I'm willing to bet that you vote for a democrat overtime you are in the voting booth! You want to take choice away from everybody and force the world to accept your view of what is acceptable.

What does OS X have to do with it. If you are talking about hardware Apple offers lots of choices and frankly they have too because peoples needs vary. Some need the ultra portability of the Mac Book while others have trouble getting work done with a maxed out MBP


I really don't understand the mentality of people that want to dictate to the entire world what is acceptable. Sad really.
[doublepost=1463785585][/doublepost]


You upgrade for the total package not one feature. Besides do you update your Mac every year? I can tell you I don't upgrade my iPhone every year as it is just wasteful.
[doublepost=1463785854][/doublepost]

Having been involved in more that one product ramp up over the years I can honestly say you don't know what you are talking about. Brand new manufacturing technology does not happen instantly and is why manufactures always target high value low volume products first. It happens in every industry.

In this case the rumor explicitly highlights an issue with yields, among other things. Eventually these sorts of things get ironed out and you are able to service the larger market.
[doublepost=1463786090][/doublepost]


More so a cheap ugly rubber case that ends up stained from sweat.

Fragmented choice in iPhone is superfluous. Design the best product at a given time then deploy across the board in three or less suitable sizes. We don't need bogus half baked items in the final delivery.
[doublepost=1463871774][/doublepost]

iOS 10.1 will brick the second camera in iPhone 7.

While 10.2 will brick the first camera, with 10.0 bricking them both. It will be 10.3 that resolves the camera bricking but instead will brick the entire phone.
[doublepost=1463872697][/doublepost]

I hope you also think the iPhone 6 is ugly because the leak is not significantly different from that except that it has none of the "ugly antenna bands" that everyone complained about before.

Or maybe it's the pill-shaped camera lens. I don't know how Apple could possibly put out a product with a shape like that.

Do you think the following actually looks better, with the same off-aligned camera from the 6 series and another slapped on?

Please tell.

The iPod touch here is looking superb. The protruding camera, unaligned and floating awkwardly combined with antenna scars is an abomination, no hyperbole. No self respecting designer would sign their name to this. Either the engineers said no to the designers or the designers said yes we're out to lunch and don't care about iPhone 6/6s.

 

[duffman9000]

I've used a case on all of my phones. Much prefer the feel and the extra protection a case provides. I think many people use cases for the same reason.

With respect to the camera bump, I really don't care. If I didn't use a case, I still wouldn't hold my phone in front of me in wonder as it were a piece of art, marvel at the design, and stroke it affectionately. Maybe that's what you were referring to with respect to "the feel of the phone?" If that's a huge part of one's phone ownership (over more important technical aspects), then I'm sure the camera bump would be a deal-killer.

I just want an excellent camera (I'm a photographer and make photographs everyday), with a large screen, decent weight, and decent battery life. My 6+ gives me that. I also like the phone's system integration so I can instantly AirDrop photos to my computers for processing in Lightroom when I'm not processing them in the local phone app I use (Polarr).

Looking forward to the dual camera on the next phone and likely improved display. If there's a bump it certainly won't be me trippin'. That'll be those who are into fondling their phone.

I'm in the camp where I think a case is necessary. I recall someone at Apple lamenting that we aren't getting the best feel for the design of the phone because we use cases. Well yeah, one drop and major damage can ensue, that's why we use cases lol.

If Apple does make an all glass phone as rumored I think it will be a waste. Slap a case on it and we won't care what the back of the phone looks like.

 

[smacrumon]

I'd take ugly if the camera performs as well as hoped. Further if they manage to embedded a real optical zoom in to the iPhone they can make that bump as big as the belly on a welfare chick and i'd buy it.

Homer designs a car. Homer designs an iPhone 7.

 

[DoctorKrabs]

[doublepost=1463872697][/doublepost]
The iPod touch here is looking superb. The protruding camera, unaligned and floating awkwardly combined with antenna scars is an abomination, no hyperbole. No self respecting designer would sign their name to this. Either the engineers said no to the designers or the designers said yes we're out to lunch and don't care about iPhone 6/6s.

Lol. The iPod doesn't sit normally on a table either. It is also polished in a way that it becomes scratched when you put it on a table. Or anywhere.

The camera on that iPhone 7 leak is actually aligned properly to the corner just as the iPod's WiFi cutout is. It's the iPhone 6 and even the 5 devices that don't have proper alignment.

Are you talking about the iPhone 6 and not the 7 leak pictured? The 6 has worse "scars" for antennas.

I'm surprised you didn't say the iPhone 7's bezels are too thick after saying that the iPod touch looks "superb".

 

[smacrumon]

I'm an American. Americans love choices. Humans love choices. If I have to choose between 3 mediocre models in 4 colors with 3 storage sizes or one really good one, I'll choose the really good one every time, even if I sacrifice my personal favorite screen size.

Besides, screen size may not matter much in a few years after the Apple Watch develops further.

One thing Jobs was great at was cutting away all of the fat and focusing all resources on what was most important - making great products that change people's daily lives.

If sacrificing those choices means I get a cutting edge and stable product again, I am all for it.

As an American, as a human being, I relish in choice--the choice between crappola, bogus, ****** and great-- at least I have choices!
Apple must design away the sideshows and just produce one great item. Choice is not needed here with iPhone, quite the opposite.
[doublepost=1463874712][/doublepost]Apple is going to kill its loyal customer base if it decides to fragment further calling things "pro" and get into a nasty game of semantics.
The marketing department is bored and corrupted.
The design department is lacking focus.
The engineers are saying no.
What exactly is going on at Apple? It spends billions on R & D, what has it got for it?
[doublepost=1463875187][/doublepost]

Lol. The iPod doesn't sit normally on a table either. It is also polished in a way that it becomes scratched when you put it on a table. Or anywhere.

The camera on that iPhone 7 leak is actually aligned properly to the corner just as the iPod's WiFi cutout is. It's the iPhone 6 and even the 5 devices that don't have proper alignment.

Are you talking about the iPhone 6 and not the 7 leak pictured? The 6 has worse "scars" for antennas.

I'm surprised you didn't say the iPhone 7's bezels are too thick after saying that the iPod touch looks "superb".

I'm referring to 6/6s. Yes this ipod isn't flat, or made from a suitable material, but it's clean uninterrupted appearance is just great. None of this resolved design is apparent in 6 and 7. The 7 camera may be aligned, neatly, but it's popping out all over the place. The antenna lines are unappealing still. Apple spends billions on research and development. What has it got for it?

 

[duffman9000]

The marketing department is bored and corrupted.
The design department is lacking focus.
The engineers are saying no.
What exactly is going on at Apple?

I would love to have been a fly on the wall when the engineers dared suggest 2GB of RAM in the 6. Marketing probably shouted them down with threats of lost bonuses because the phone wouldn't hit profit margins. That extra dollar would cost Apple hundred of millions of dollars. User experience be damned we need to hit profit margins!!

 

[Glideslope]

There's no way Apple will release another 16gb flagship phone. Not a chance. I'll bet money on that.

Very safe bet.

 

[oplix]

its over folks

 

[rp2011]

I hope it doesn't look that ugly in final production.

Exactly. They're engineering prowess is still in tact, but what the hell happened to they're industrial design? It was a hallmark of an apple product. This is beyond bad.

It seems that it would be impossible to make a simple slab with a circle or two look bad, but this thing proves otherwise.
It probably took a massive supercomputer months and months of crunching numbers for all the possible combinations of slab with circles to finally come out with something this bad. This doesn't happen in nature by accident.
Nature induces abortions for stuff like this.
Like the team threw out all the the variables for pleasantness like proportion, balance out the window when crafting the this thing. ..and the previous 6 series too.

 

[citysnaps]

Exactly. They're engineering prowess is still in tact, but what the hell happened to they're industrial design? It was a hallmark of an apple product. This is beyond bad.

It seems that it would be impossible to make a simple slab with a circle or two look bad, but this thing proves otherwise.
It probably took a massive supercomputer months and months of crunching numbers for all the possible combinations of slab with circles to finally come out with something this bad. This doesn't happen in nature by accident.
Nature induces abortions for stuff like this.

Amazing. All that from a rumor...

 

[rp2011]

Amazing. All that from a rumor...

I hope the camera produces truly awesome images. Then at least Tim can say

"Today we introduce this god forsaken thing that is able to take amazing pictures and videos"