Apple’s soon-to-be-unveiled iPhone 14 “Pro” models will feature a new Ultra-Wide camera with a larger sensor for better low light sensitivity, says Apple industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Unfortunately, that improved technology will come at a significant;y increased cost.
Kuo on Monday tweeted that the two iPhone 14 Pro models will sports an Ultra Wide sensor with larger 1.4µm pixels compared to the previous generation Pro models.
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I predict two iPhone 14 Pro models' ultra-wide cameras will upgrade to 1.4µm (vs. iPhone 13 Pro's 1.0µm). CIS (CMOS image sensor), VCM (voice coil motor), and CCM (compact camera module) have a significant unit price increase in this upgrade, with about 70%, 45%, and 40%.— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) August 30, 2022
Kuo says the new cameras – which should result in improved light capture and decreased noise in low-light images, thanks to the increased pixel size – will be up to 70% more expensive than those used in previous models.
Kuo also tweeted that component suppliers Sony (CIS), Minebea (first VCM supplier), Largan (second supplier), and LG Innotek (CCM) will be “significant beneficiaries” of the Ultra Wide camera upgrade on the iPhone 14 Pro Pro Max handsets.
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Other components' price increases are limited. Sony (CIS), Minebea (first VCM supplier), Largan (second supplier), and LG Innotek (CCM) are the significant beneficiaries of the ultra-wide camera upgrade.— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) August 30, 2022
Apple is expected to use a larger 1/1.3-inch sensor on the main Wide camera, offering a 21.2% increase over the 1/1.65-inch sensor in the iPhone 13 Pro models. Overall, the sensor area will increase by 57%.
The iPhone 14 Pro models will offer 48-megapixel and 12-megapixel photo output options. Meanwhile, standard iPhone 14 models are expected to sport a standard 12-megapixel camera lens that’s similar in functionality to the 12-megapixel shooter used in the iPhone 13 models.
