Dual Rear Camera Likely to Remain Exclusive to High-End iPhones in 2017

[MacRumors]

On the same day the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus became available for pre-order, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has released a new research report outlining his expectations for a dual rear camera in next year's iPhone model.

According to Kuo, cost considerations and a niche appeal for the dual camera, which is found only on the larger iPhone 7 Plus model this year, mean that the feature is likely to remain exclusive to "high-end" models in 2017 as well. Presumably this means the dual camera would again appear only on so-called "iPhone 8 Plus" models should Apple continue to offer similar product lineups.

While an attractive addition for avid picture takers and professional photographers, the iPhone 7 Plus dual-camera is not a mass-market killer application yet. Along with its high cost (estimated at over US$30-40) and the necessity for Apple to enhance the added value of high-end iPhone models, we expect only high-end new iPhone models (30-40% of them) to have a dual-camera next year.

As for what improvements can be anticipated for the dual camera in 2017, Kuo indicates that optical image stabilization (OIS) is likely to be added to the telephoto camera. In the iPhone 7 Plus, only the wide-angle camera has OIS.

Note that for the dual- camera of iPhone 7 Plus, wide-angle CCM is equipped with optical image stabilization (OIS) VCM, while telephoto CCM only comes with general VCM. We believe the focus of the dual-camera upgrade will be equipping telephoto CCM with OIS CCM, so as to significantly enhance optical and digital zoom quality.

While 2017 would normally be considered an "S cycle" for the iPhone that would focus on internal improvements rather than changes to the external appearance of the device, rumors have suggested Apple is embarking on a major "iPhone 8" or "iPhone X" upgrade as the iPhone turns ten years old. Apple is reportedly looking to move to a glass body and a flexible edge-to-edge OLED display that curves around the sides of the device. The 2017 iPhone may also see the removal of the iconic Home button and perhaps include features such as wireless charging and an iris scanner.

Article Link: Dual Rear Camera Likely to Remain Exclusive to High-End iPhones in 2017

 

[smacrumon]

Here we go! Already managing expectations and focusing on shareholders not customers. See how that turns out long term.

Apple, focus on iPhone 8, get it right for customers.

 

[samac92]

If they remove the bezels on the plus then I wouldn't mind switching to it next year

 

[talkybear]

Pretty sure it's triple cam next year.

 

[profets]

I just hope they're working on some nice improvements to it. After all the hype and build up, especially with the bokeh effect in the invite, the optical zoom and software based background blur feel a bit underwhelming.

 

[dragicon]

Thats great and all.... but what about the headphone jack!?

 

[jakeowens]

I would happily pay that extra premium to get the dual lens on the 4.7" iPhone. Having it on the (impractical size for most) Plus size only seems odd. (why not have a iPhone 8 Pro version of the same size but with this camera)

 

[keysofanxiety]

If they remove the bezels on the plus then I wouldn't mind switching to it next year

Nah, next year will be the 7S. It'll look practically identical.

If you're hoping for a radical redesign, point your eyes to 2018.

 

[nocturnum]

Now that's what I'm talking about.

You need a car, but you want a diesel. They only sell trucks with diesel engines. Sooo ... buy a truck or get lost.

 

[pbasmadj]

Great news, because I find the dual lens to be so ugly.

 

[Mac Fly (film)]

Expect the "Apple playing catch up" and "fire Tim Cook" comments to continue. No matter what Apple can't win when it comes to some. The iPhone could get two weeks battery life and we'd hear, "typical, they'll copy but then they won't share".

 

[keysofanxiety]

Thats great and all.... but what about the headphone jack!?

Not sure if you got the memo, but it's not there and it won't be coming back.

 

[ramonabynes]

Nah, next year will be the 7S. It'll look practically identical.

If you're hoping for a radical redesign, point your eyes to 2018.

no

 

[ip67]

It'll be 7s next fall... Apple is good, too good, at milking stuff out and when the 7s does come and no 8, people will try to justify it and stick up for Apple.

 

[PhotodudeCA]

This is what really sucks about the current Apple. They make design decisions based on profit concerns. There would be not way in hell Jobs would not out a high end camera on the mid-size phone it was technically possible. He would charge for it, but he would not cripple the product just to "differentiate the high-end line". Galaxy S8, here I come...

 

[bladerunner2000]

Very innovative. Couldn't make a waterproof phone with a headphone jack but Sony and Samsung have been doing it for years... now they cant add the camera to regular sized phones?

I don't call this courage, I call it incompetence.

 

[Mac Fly (film)]

Great news, because I find the dual lens to be so ugly.

Design is what it does. Currently there's no way to get such functionality without it.

 

[Jakexb]

If you read the note, this is pure speculation, not inside info. The 2017 phone might have 50 cameras.

 

[keysofanxiety]

no

Sorry. It'll be the 7S next year. If you're hoping for a radical redesign, look to 2018. 10th iPhone anniversary will have no impact on moving the pipeline forward 1 year.

People have seen these sort of rumours come and go. They were expecting it with the 4S as well.

 

[Santabean2000]

Shrink the phone and it won't be a big deal. The Plus is just too big in its current design.

 

[Kevin2055]

OK. Huawei P9 already had Leica dual camera, and only asks for $400

 

[Domen151]

So the non plus models are not 'high end'?

 

[Mac Fly (film)]

Very innovative. Couldn't make a waterproof phone with a headphone jack.

They said it helps them make the phone water-resistant. Not that they couldn't do it without the change. But the main points they made were Lightning, wireless and internal space. You can disagree that those are good reasons, but they aren't totally illogical. I'm not defending Apple, but nothing is stopping you from using the Lighting headphones that come free in the box, using the adapter with any wired set or buying and brand of Bluetooth headphones. There are many companies that are not Beats or Apple who make them. Bose to name one. And as a last result you could switch to Android or use a 6s or SE—many options.

 

[Sirious]

Bring on the iPhone 2017 rumours!

 

[Macshroomer]

"As for what improvements can be anticipated for the dual camera in 2017, Kuo indicates that optical image stabilization (OIS) is likely to be added to the telephoto camera. In the iPhone 7 Plus, only the wide-angle camera has OIS."

Well that kind of blows, the 56mm 2.8 second camera is 1-1/3rd stop slower and magnifies the image twice as much, it needs OIS more than the wide angle one does, LOL!!