Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says two of the iPhones that will be in the 2020 iPhone lineup will feature 3D sensing rear camera setups with time-of-flight (ToF) camera lenses.
Kuo shared the information in a note to investors originally obtained by MacRumors. He also said that a rear time-of-flight camera would bolster photo quality and offer new and improved AR applications.
A time-of-flight camera system works by measuring the amount of time it takes for a laser or LED to bounce light of of objects in the room. It can then provide an accurate 3D map of the surrounding area.
Kup says all three of the 2020 iPhones will feature a front-facing camera system with Face ID. Kuo predicts all three new 2020 iPhone models will all be equipped with front Face ID, and two of the new models will provide rear ToF.
He also estimates Apple will ship in total 45 million of front and rear VCSEL (front structure light and rear ToF) iPhones by the end of 2020.
While Kuo and other analyst have predicted a time-of-flight camera system for the 2020 iPhones, this is the first time he’s specified that he expects the 3D sensing camera system will be available in only 2 of 3 of the upcoming 2020 iPhones.
Many analysts expects Apple to release three models in 2020, all boasting OLED screens. The handsets will be in 5.4-, 6.1-, and 6.7-inch sizes. Kuo had earlier said he believed that the 6.1-inch units wouldn’t include 5G support. He has now apparently changed his mind.