Dual Camera Said to Be Exclusive to 5.5-Inch iPhone 7

[Neodym]

Apple needs to stop with all this fragmentation. The only thing that should be exclusive to the 5.5" model is the 5.5" screen size. 3D Touch, dual lens camera, A10, etc. need to be uniform across all models from 5.5" to 4" screens. Same with iPad sizes and Pencil, etc.

While nice in theory, it doesn't always work out in practice. People thought that the only difference between the iPad Air and the corresponding iPad mini 2 would be screen size.
Turned out, Apple had to underclock the CPU and screen quality was significantly worse. You simply can not make everything the same in different sizes, without accepting some compromise in at least one of the sizes.

As long as we don't end up with

• iPhone 7
• 7 plus
• 7 plus photo (dual-lens camera with higher resolution, for the ambitioned amateur photograph)
• 7 pro (true tone screen and smart connector for new keyboard)
  
• 7 pro plus (same, but bigger screen for solvent customers with fading vision)
• 7 pro plus photo (as 7 plus photo, but with bayonet socket and even higher camera resolution)
  
• 7 pro xxl (same, but with 6.66" screen for easier on-site photo and video editing (and bragging rights))
• 6 R (Retro, 3.5" screen and 4S design, for the die-hard fan - 5g weight customization plates available separately for only $19.99 each)
• 6 SE (4" screen, for the bargain hunter still focussing on halfway current tech)
• 5 SSE (Super Special Edition, lowcost, for emerging markets - not officially presented during WWDC)
• each in ten different colours (different palettes for "pro" and "normal" customers ofc) and
  
• memory options for 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB
  
• special BTO's available, with 512GB and 1TB (for the digital messie - also doubles as wireless external drive for your measly equipped Mac),

I'm okay with a certain differentiation between models. Once we have the contact lens iPhone available, the screen size will be adjusted in Software anyway. If Apple survives until then, that is!

other than the camera is there anything else different about the 5.5" model?

Battery time, thickness ...

Marketing departments will always come up with ways to get people to spend more money. With iPhone Apple decided the camera would be that thing.

You mean, like Marketing decided that the iPad Air 3 needed a new name to justify a $100 price hike for a moderately refined successor in a stalling market segment?

How is this different than other companies that have phones with different specs at different price points?

That's exactly (not only) my worries here. Other companies have such a fragmented lineup that they are not able to deliver proper software maintenance for more than a couple of months basically (if at all). Or to have proper quality control. Or at least earn some money with all these different BOM's and poor economies of scale. And the late Apple seems indeed to slowly, but steadily slide there as well.

Right because Jobs could wave a magic wand and make whatever he wanted happen.

Well, at least he had his way of motivating people by not accepting an "it's technologically impossible". He challenged such statements when he thought it was important. And rightfully so!

There are 3 possibilities here: it's an engineering issue, it's a marketing decision or it's a bit of both. Or their might be a 4th possibility: supply constraints and the 5.5" model doesn't sell in the quanitity the 4.7" model does.

My gut feeling is that it's indeed a mix of the points you mentioned. However, I also have the suspicion that it is easier to talk Tim Cook into believing that he would have to accept certain technological limitations. And he seems to be lacking the vision of Jobs to push engineers towards a completely different approach in such a case (though that impression may have been good marketing itself and Jobs simply had better advisors around him).

IIRC there was a report some time ago, stating that the Apple under Tim Cook has been overtaken by beancounters and marketing guys. If true, that would be a very dangerous road for Apple to take!

 

[CausticPuppy]

(Top Image: Cameraplex)

Article Link: Dual Camera Said to Be Exclusive to 5.5-Inch iPhone 7

Neat demo, but physically impossible to implement.
I don't see how that type of interface would be possible unless the zoomed camera was mounted on a gimbal inside the camera, and capable of aiming independently of the phone body. Sensor shift could not possibly handle that range of movement.

The center point will always be the same location on both cameras.

 

[5105973]

So you are done. And disgusted.

Because of rumors.
That might not even be true.

WTF. LOL. Grummpy Mom

I gotta live up to my screen name especially before the caffeine kicks in! One thing I love about this site is playing around with all the rumors. It's kind of sad though, how accurate so many of them turn out to be. I will be reading some that promise something mind-numbingly mundane or downright frustrating, and I have been thinking to myself "No, Apple will be more creative than that and will surprise me." And then the release happens and the rumors do turn out to be true and I feel so grumpy.

But Apple did sneak water resistance of the iPhone 6S plus in on me and that's much appreciated. And I think they did pretty well by the SE, giving it overall very nice upgrades despite reusing the 5S chassis. Especially when you consider the price point for the SE.

 

[Mac 128]

That's exactly (not only) my worries here. Other companies have such a fragmented lineup that they are not able to deliver proper software maintenance for more than a couple of months basically (if at all). Or to have proper quality control. Or at least earn some money with all these different BOM's and poor economies of scale. And the late Apple seems indeed to slowly, but steadily slide there as well.

This is not a worry at all. Other companies are not developing both hardware and software like Apple is, so the fragmentation that results in devices getting orphaned, or rarely if ever updated isn't going to happen. And Apple has never lacked for quality control. Their customer service is set up in such a way that poor quality control would bankrupt them.

But do you really think that a dual camera is going to cause a major software delivery problem? They tailor the software for the flagship product with everything, so it works with everything else regardless what it lacks. That's like saying having a MacBook Pro and a MacBook Air and a MacBook is going to cause software problems because the MBP has an HDMI port and the rMB doesn't.

 

[warrior2000]

I gotta live up to my screen name especially before the caffeine kicks in! One thing I love about this site is playing around with all the rumors. It's kind of sad though, how accurate so many of them turn out to be. I will be reading some that promise something mind-numbingly mundane or downright frustrating, and I have been thinking to myself "No, Apple will be more creative than that and will surprise me." And then the release happens and the rumors do turn out to be true and I feel so grumpy.

But Apple did sneak water resistance of the iPhone 6S plus in on me and that's much appreciated. And I think they did pretty well by the SE, giving it overall very nice upgrades despite reusing the 5S chassis. Especially when you consider the price point for the SE.

I think we shouldn't expect miracles from Apple.

The iPod was huge because the technology was ready. Flash memory was ridiculously expensive just a couple years before the iPod came out. Also because of Napster the Music industry was finally willing to negotiate digital music contracts. Also of course decent speed internet was finally mainstream.

The iPhone was huge because the technology was ready. 3G was spreading like wildfire. Would the iPhone work 5 years prior without robust networks? Probably not. Memory was getting cheaper and also CPU were getting smaller and faster. Same deal with displays.

So alot of the Apple break through products happenned because of TECHNOLOGY and INFRASTRUCTER that was built by companies other than Apple.

Since 2007 what advances has been made in tech/infrastructure? Not much. We are getting faster networks, cheaper memory, small and faster CPU's. I really don't think we can expect a new device to 'blow us away' until we get new technology that blows us away. Like the rise of the integrated circuit. Like the rise of the internet. Like the rise of cell networks.

There are TWO things I think could lead to the next 'blow away' product from Apple:

1. A massive jump in battery technology
2. A massive jump in display technology

Till then I don't expect anyone to make a product that just blows our sox off like the iPod and iPhone.

 

[techwhiz]

Quit dreaming you will never get "DSLR quality" from a phone.
Yeah, compare a phone camera to a Canon 7D MKII or similar... Not.

 

[apolloa]

Don't give me that bullcrap estimates by some company that has no idea how much Apple pays for parts. Not to mention has no idea about R&D, sales expense, ect.

Go straight to the SEC filings that are audited by the SEC. And if they are wrong people go into jail.

http://finance.yahoo.com/q/is?s=AAPL+Income+Statement&annual

2015
Apple made $53 billion in profit
Apple had $234 billion in sales
Profit margin was only 22.6%

2014
$39 billion in profit
$183 billion in sales
Profit margin was only 21.3%

2013
$37 billion in profit
$171 billion in sales
Profit margin was only 21.6%

So are you telling me 22% profit margins are obscene?

The last 3 years Google has had profit margins of 21%, 21%, and 23%. Basically identical to Apple. Google's margins would have been 25% if it wasn't for the Motorola losses they wrote off the last 3 years. So taking out the Motorola disaster (which very few customers benefited from) Google has had HIGHER profit margins than Apple.

Microsoft is even higher. The last 3 years they have had 12%, 25%, and 28% profit margins. Last year was low because they wrote of $8 billion in the Nokia disaster. Microsoft has profit margins of 25-30% historically.

So there you have it.

Google has HIGHER profit margins than Apple (removing losses on Motorola)
Microsoft has MUCH HIGHER profit margins than Apple.

Yet its Apple who has obscene profit margins?

And don't give me bs statements that relate to corporate profit when it was plain I was relating to profit per product mate.

 

[Chupa Chupa]

what a mistake. the fragmentation is nasty. that 5.5 is WAY to large for active people.

My 4.7 even feels slightly large but i've come to enjoy it. Works for business and is comfortable enough during gym sessions and jogs. But fragmenting it with something so important as the camera is such a mistake.

Apples move and im sure i won't hurt them as a departing customer, but if the S8E builds off of the S7, that'll be my next phone.

Yeah, I do run w/ my 6 in hand or pocket. 100% could not if I wanted to w/ 6+. Size does matter over most other features. Would love to have best possible camera but need to be able to securely hold it when running too. Unfortunately I don't have gorilla hands.

Odd thing is Apple promotes Health & sports as a reason to buy AW, which basically needs an iPhone to be 100% functional, but then shortchanges the iPhone sizes that are best for an active lifestyle & this feature of AW.

 

[MH01]

I think we shouldn't expect miracles from Apple.

The iPod was huge because the technology was ready. Flash memory was ridiculously expensive just a couple years before the iPod came out. Also because of Napster the Music industry was finally willing to negotiate digital music contracts. Also of course decent speed internet was finally mainstream.

The iPhone was huge because the technology was ready. 3G was spreading like wildfire. Would the iPhone work 5 years prior without robust networks? Probably not. Memory was getting cheaper and also CPU were getting smaller and faster. Same deal with displays.

So alot of the Apple break through products happenned because of TECHNOLOGY and INFRASTRUCTER that was built by companies other than Apple.

Since 2007 what advances has been made in tech/infrastructure? Not much. We are getting faster networks, cheaper memory, small and faster CPU's. I really don't think we can expect a new device to 'blow us away' until we get new technology that blows us away. Like the rise of the integrated circuit. Like the rise of the internet. Like the rise of cell networks.

There are TWO things I think could lead to the next 'blow away' product from Apple:

1. A massive jump in battery technology
2. A massive jump in display technology

Till then I don't expect anyone to make a product that just blows our sox off like the iPod and iPhone.

The iPod and iPhone were not about Technology advancements, there were about using current tech at the time to innovate a new product. If your waiting for tech to arrive to innovate, you are doing it wrong.

 

[twocents]

Woohoo! I'm sold. Look forward to upgrading from my 6 Plus. It's interesting though having talked to a lot of people who own iPhones it seems like the Pluses are either you love them or hate them.

 

[ksnell]

Here comes iPhone Pro. This fragmentation is getting pretty brutal. I can only imagine how confused the average Joe that does not read Mac forums feels if I am starting to get confused.

 

[megagene]

This kind of fragmentation is BS in my opinion. Phablet-sized phones aren't for everyone, and consumers shouldn't feel like they got the inferior model with less features just because they opted for the smaller size with which they're more comfortable. Take the Galaxy S6 Edge Plus. It was the same phone as the non-Plus version aside from the larger foot print and superior battery life that comes with a larger phone. I much prefer that approach.
I have a 6s and it's my first iPhone, and while I am enjoying it a lot, I'm not thrilled that it doesn't have the OIS or screen resolution of its larger counterpart. I would have loved to have gotten the 6s plus, but until Apple learns to design a 5.5 inch display phone that doesn't have giant bezels and isn't significantly bigger than Android phones with the same size (if not bigger) displays that's just not happening. I guess what I'm trying to say is that Apple can go ahead and make the phones the way they want, but don't try to market them as the same thing just in two different size options like they did with the iPhone 6/6 Plus and the 6s/6s Plus. Make it clear that the bigger model is the superior version in terms of features and specs. And who knows? Maybe they will when they release the 7. But hey, what do I know? They can do pretty much whatever they want, and as long as they slap an Apple logo on the back, it will sell like gangbusters anyway. Ideally, if Apple made a 5 or 5.1 inch display iPhone with all the bells and whistles, I would be all over that in a heartbeat! A 5 to 5.1 inch display is the sweet spot for me. Maybe one day. Fingers crossed!

 

[falainber]

I do not understand all this rage about fragmentation. Do you really want Apple having one phone model? Or three models differing just in size?

 

[ABC5S]

If Apple does not give us (Me) at least a f/1.7 lens, IOS for the 7, and a Quick focus like the Samsung S7, than Apple will not have me as a customer this time around.

 

[matrix07]

And don't give me bs statements that relate to corporate profit when it was plain I was relating to profit per product mate.

By only comparing it to raw material cost? Then you're the one who talked BS.

Have you ever produce something?
[doublepost=1459787523][/doublepost]

If Apple does not give us (Me) at least a f/1.7 lens, IOS for the 7, and a Quick focus like the Samsung S7, than Apple will not have me as a customer this time around.

Your iPhone focused slowly? What model? If it's the one in your signature then you're using the same model as mine and mine focuses very quick without a need for gimmick marketing term.

 

[warrior2000]

And don't give me bs statements that relate to corporate profit when it was plain I was relating to profit per product mate.

Give me a break. You need to consider corporate profits. The cost of making and selling an iPhone is not just the cost of materials. Apple spends billions on R&D, maintaining iOS, running retail stores, advertising, marketing, and tooling. Not considering those expenes is stupidity and simpleton logic.

The bottom line is Apples corporate profit margin is lower than Google and Microsoft. At 22% profit margin Apple is not making obscene margins.

Its ignoranant people who think it cost $0 to build and maintain iOS and $0 to provide the best customer service in the world. And $0 to pay for R&D. And $0 to pay for some of the best talent in the world.

If 22% profit margin is too much for you then you should buy some cheap POS phone instead. For people who understand business and economics we know 22% profit margins are not obscene.

 

[citysnaps]

This is not a worry at all. Other companies are not developing both hardware and software like Apple is, so the fragmentation that results in devices getting orphaned, or rarely if ever updated isn't going to happen. And Apple has never lacked for quality control. Their customer service is set up in such a way that poor quality control would bankrupt them.

But do you really think that a dual camera is going to cause a major software delivery problem? They tailor the software for the flagship product with everything, so it works with everything else regardless what it lacks. That's like saying having a MacBook Pro and a MacBook Air and a MacBook is going to cause software problems because the MBP has an HDMI port and the rMB doesn't.

Finally, someone who understands what the concept of "fragmentation" is really about and its potential resulting adverse consequences were the right dynamics in place.

Seems like over the last year there have been so many people here reflexively tossing out that word. Almost everyday. Like it's some kind of rallying chant for those that believe Apple is doomed. Yet they have no idea what the concept of fragmentation is really about.

 

[Jimmy James]

In a similar move BMW announces that power windows and air conditioning will only be available on 7 series models.

 

[CrzyP]

Dual cameras will be exclusive to Apple's next-generation 5.5-inch iPhone, according to a new research note issued by respected KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.Rumors surrounding dual-camera iPhones have gained momentum since January, when Kuo said that Apple has both single- and dual-camera iPhone 7 Plus models in development. Recent reports have been unclear, however, about whether the 4.7-inch iPhone 7 will also have dual cameras.

Leaks surrounding the rumored dual cameras have been limited to a blurry photo of the purported iPhone 7 Plus (or iPhone Pro?) and a possible dual-lens module appropriate for the 5.5-inch smartphone. Apple reportedly received dual-lens camera samples from suppliers for testing purposes in February.

LinX Technology multi-aperture camera modules​

The rumored camera improvements have 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 have 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.

(Top Image: Cameraplex)

Article Link: Dual Camera Said to Be Exclusive to 5.5-Inch iPhone 7

 

[warrior2000]

In a similar move BMW announces that power windows and air conditioning will only be available on 7 series models.

Bad analogy.

Its like BMW announcing that its massive V12 engine wont be available on its subcompact 1 series cars, but only on its full sized 7 series cars.

 

[I WAS the one]

Ok... Innovation is over. From now on let's double everything. Double cameras, double flash, double screens, double the price!

 

[CrzyP]

That's too bad. The current form factor is way too big.

 

[apolloa]

Give me a break. You need to consider corporate profits. The cost of making and selling an iPhone is not just the cost of materials. Apple spends billions on R&D, maintaining iOS, running retail stores, advertising, marketing, and tooling. Not considering those expenes is stupidity and simpleton logic.

The bottom line is Apples corporate profit margin is lower than Google and Microsoft. At 22% profit margin Apple is not making obscene margins.

Its ignoranant people like you who think it cost $0 to build and maintain iOS and $0 to provide the best customer service in the world. And $0 to pay for R&D. And $0 to pay for some of the best talent in the world.

If 22% profit margin is too much for you then you should buy some cheap POS phone instead. For people who understand business and economics we know 22% profit margins are not obscene.

Stop sounding like an Apple apologist eh? It's laughable how you are attempting to change the argument and ignore the fact it was obvious I was relating to product mark up, or that somehow the entire profit a corporation makes directly converts and relates to the profit markup they place on their products. Go back to business school.
Did I personally attack you or insult you somehow? Obviously I did, do you work for Apple or have Apple shares or something? I mean that's the only obvious explanation for your outrage at someone daring to say something negative about Apple.

 

[Tech198]

No more zoom except in older iphones... sorry..

 

[ABC5S]

By only comparing it to raw material cost? Then you're the one who talked BS.

Have you ever produce something?
[doublepost=1459787523][/doublepost]

Your iPhone focused slowly? What model? If it's the one in your signature then you're using the same model as mine and mine focuses very quick without a need for gimmick marketing term.

The S7edge is much faster. Go take a look