While rumors have suggested that Apple’s next-generation iPhone may boast optical image stabilization, new predictions from Pacific Crest Securities analysts John Vinh and Kevin Chen, along with KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, indicate that optical stabilization feature may be limited to the larger 5.5-inch model of the upcoming device.
From Pacific Crest Securities, via MacRumors:
We believe the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 smartphone camera will support optical image stabilization (OIS) and anticipate that it will represent one of several opportunities at Apple that will benefit InvenSense. In our analysis, we believe Apple chose to only include OIS camera technology in the larger iPhone 6 given that there is still a significant cost premium ($4 to $5) over standard auto focus solutions and that it provides a point of differentiation between the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 and the step-up model (5.5-inch)
KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo agrees, saying:
Differing from market consensus, we don’t expect the main camera of the 4.7″ iPhone 6 to use OIS VCM due to production capacity restraint at iPhone 6 VCM suppliers Mitsumi (JP) and Alps (JP). Rather, we predict it will use a middle-mount type of open-loop VCM updated from the one used in the existing iPhone 5S. The 5.5″ iPhone 6 is more likely to be equipped with OIS VCM due to lower estimated shipments and the need for more product features to differentiate itself from the 4.7″ iPhone 6
Optical image stabilization (OIS) – which in the past, has been limited to traditional digital cameras – is designed to stabilize photos and videos using either a lens with built-in stabilization or a separate sensor. Recently, cell phone makers including Google, HTC, and Nokia have begun including OIS in their devices. Apple currently uses software-based image stabilization, which is viewed as an inferior solution.
Kuo does expect the 4.7-inch iPhone to feature a lens module that will offer faster focusing and power efficiency than was offered in previous iPhones.
