Possible iPhone 7 Plus Dual Camera Module Depicted in New Images

[MacRumors]

Amid rumors suggesting the larger-screened iPhone 7 Plus will be differentiated from the iPhone 7 with a dual-lens camera system, multiple images depicting a dual-camera part that could be used in the device have surfaced.

This morning, Taiwanese site Apple.club.tw [Google Translate] shared images of a dual-camera module potentially destined for the iPhone 7 Plus, which matches earlier images of a dual-camera module shared in January by Chinese site Chuansong.me [Google Translate] and highlighted over the weekend by French website Nowhereelse.fr. Similar camera module photos have also been spotted on Chinese social networking site Weibo (login required).

Image via Chuansong​

All of the images appear to depict the same camera module, featuring a dual-lens setup with a narrower lens in a larger enclosure on the left and a wider lens in a smaller enclosure on the right, along with two cables that would allow it to attach to the logic board of an electronic device.

Image via Weibo​

Because images of the module first started showing up in January, it might be easy to dismiss it as a part for another smartphone, but January is also the month we got our first look at an alleged iPhone 7 backlight component, suggesting early parts have perhaps been in production for several months already.

We can't confirm this is a component that will be used in the iPhone 7 Plus, but in addition to lining up with dual-camera rumors, it is labeled with an "821" part number, which Apple has used in the past. With rumors suggesting Apple has been experimenting with dual-camera modules from several manufacturers, there's a good chance this is a genuine part.

Image via Apple.club.tw​

Apple is said to be preparing to introduce a dual-lens setup in at least one version of the iPhone 7 Plus. Current rumors point towards the launch of an iPhone 7 and two variants of the iPhone 7 Plus, one with a single camera and one with two cameras. It isn't known if this is just a prototyping phase or if Apple actually intends to release two versions of the iPhone 7 Plus, but rumors do agree that while we may see dual cameras in the iPhone 7 Plus, the 4.7-inch iPhone 7 will continue to use a standard single-lens camera.

Apple's dual-lens camera system is said to take advantage of technology acquired from LinX Imaging, introducing 2-3x optical zoom capabilities for images that are clearer, brighter, and with more detail, especially in low light conditions. Apple will likely launch the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus in September of 2016.

Article Link: Possible iPhone 7 Plus Dual Camera Module Depicted in New Images

 

[Flow39]

I really hope this is included on the smaller 4.7" 7. I also hope Apple doesn't fragment the crap out of the iPhone line by making it 7, 7 Plus, and 7 Pro. Make the feature available on all models, with the only difference being size.

 

[cmChimera]

I can't see them leaving out a headline feature like this from the 4.7 inch phone. Optical image stabilization is rather minor, an entirely different camera system is not.

 

[agsystems]

Well - this Iphone 7 is looking less appealing by the minute.

A10
Dual camera (I7 plus only)
No headjack
RAM (same 2G)
LTE/WI chip (same)
Casing (removing of antenna lines)
Touch ID (same)
3d Touch (same)
Thinner (who is asking for this?)

What else?

 

[nezr]

I really hope this is included on the smaller 4.7" 7. I also hope Apple doesn't fragment the crap out of the iPhone line by making it 7, 7 Plus, and 7 Pro. Make the feature available on all models, with the only difference being size.

I don't think dual camera will be included in the smaller iPhones. There is just no room for it.

 

[2457282]

This is what the module looked like when Apple bought the LinX company. The product in that picture looks like they took a step backwards.

 

[ryanasimov]

Can't unseen WALL-E.

 

[gigapocket1]

I can't see them leaving out a headline feature like this from the 4.7 inch phone. Optical image stabilization is rather minor, an entirely different camera system is not.

This is something they won't have any problem leaving out the 7.. I also think if they decide to release a 256gig version.. It will only be available in 7+..

 

[AVEGA]

Well - this Iphone 7 is looking less appealing by the minute.

A10
Dual camera (I7 plus only)
No headjack

What else?

No Antenna bands on the rear ?
It will also be thinner !!!

 

[imwoblin]

Not excited about a dual camera gizmo.
My kingdom for a waterproof, shatter resistant iPhone....

 

[Dave245]

This along with 256GB, might be bound for the iPhone 7 Pro version, it would make sense.

 

[slicecom]

I'll be pissed if I have to buy the + model to get this camera. This is a must have, but I don't want a massive phone.

 

[makingdots]

Future phone cams probably will be a.. tri-cam, quad-cam, quinto-cam, ...

They're gonna stop when it looks like a Trypophobia.

 

[JPLC]

So cute! It's like a tiny Wall-E in your iPhone! :,)

 

[unobtainium]

I may consider buying a 7 plus if it includes a bunch of features like this that you can't get on the 7. But only if they reduce bezel size and make the size more manageable.

 

[darcyf]

This is what the module looked like when Apple bought the LinX company. The product in that picture looks like they took a step backwards.

Those are for when you're trying to sell companies on the idea of your components. There's no reason they need to look this sleek once they're soldered into a jam packed with other components, thin as thin can be iPhone casing.

 

[gsmornot]

I'm sure it will work either way but most of my photos are taken in the horizontal orientation. Wonder how this affects lens placement with the two being top/bottom vs side/side. Maybe though it would only use one at a time for different reasons. Zoom vs Wide or something.

 

[mejsric]

Future phone cams probably will be a.. tri-cam, quad-cam, quinto-cam, ...

They're gonna stop when it looks like a Trypophobia.

Of course, competition will release that they have triple cam, then next with have quad cam. More cam than Apple.

 

[dojoman]

Samsung Galaxy Spider S8.

 

[shftoptk]

I don't see why people are upset that this is is exclusive to the Plus model. Many people, including myself, would have gone with the 4.7 inch if it had OIS. And plenty of people will choose the bigger phone for this new camera setup. It's the only way apple will sell 5.5's at a $100 extra price tag

 

[Chupa Chupa]

Well - this Iphone 7 is looking less appealing by the minute.

A10
Dual camera (I7 plus only)
No headjack
RAM (same 2G)
LTE/WI chip (same)
Casing (removing of antenna lines)
Touch ID (same)
3d Touch (same)
Thinner (who is asking for this?)

What else?

Starting to wonder myself if the 7 will be a tempting upgrade from my 6. I'm perfectly fine with the 6 but I've always upgraded every other year. This would be the first time ever skipping. Maybe that is a sign of the times for iPhone and why sales are drooping --- the thrill is gone after they upped the standard size and made an XL model.

Another huge factor for me is this would be the first iPhone, except the original, I'd have to pay full boat. But unlike the original iPhone, it won't come with an unlimited data plan since ATT is K.O.ing us legacy unlimited plan holders to the curb.
And then there is the annoyance of figuring out which carrier to switch to.

So yes, Apple needs something than a slightly different case than the 6/6s in 7 to motivate me. Maybe if it was a slim BUT ruggedized case and screen. Maybe. The plus/pro looks interesting but too awkward to run with so that is a non-starter for me.

 

[Flow39]

I don't think dual camera will be included in the smaller iPhones. There is just no room for it.

I'm sure Apple could fit it in the 4.7" frame if they really wanted to, especially with the massive bezels that give them about 3/4" in height. I have hope that they will, but I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't honestly.

 

[Michaelgtrusa]

Well we've seen a lot thus far.

 

[Flow39]

So yes, Apple needs something than a slightly different case than the 6/6s in 7 to motivate me.

I totally agree. I want a change of design almost more than anything else. Sure, I appreciate the hardware bumps and camera improvements but a design change is always interesting. Why would I want to hold and see the same design in a phone for 4 years? Look where that's taken HTC. One M7 was a hit, the M8 was okay, and the M9 was a huge letdown, all because they didn't innovate in the design (or camera) department. They just iterated for 3 straight years.

 

[predation]

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/4yczKwVErQQ/hqdefault.jpg