Apple has reportedly struck a deal with a new supplier to ensure a supply of telephoto lens components for a periscope camera system in future iPhones.
The Elec reports that South Korean firm Jahwa Electronics said it plans to spend 191 billion won ($155 million) on building plants to produce new optical image stabilization (OIS) actuators.
Apple reportedly visited Jahwa Electronics’ new facilities during the first half of 2021. The Elec reports that it is “likely” that the investment is to allow Jahwa to begin providing Apple with OIS actuators from next year.
Apple usually requires its vendors to build production lines dedicated solely to its own parts and components. If the new investment is connected to Apple’s needs, the Cupertino firm would require a thorough inspection of the new assembly lines, with the process taking as long as a year to conclude.
OIS actuators, which combine OIS and autofocus functions in one, are expected to be for telephoto cameras in 2023 iPhones. Rumors about the iPhone getting a periscope lens have been circulating since early 2020.
(Via MacRumors)