KGI Securities whispers of dual iSight camera on at least one version of the iPhone 7 Plus
This year, when shopping for the upcoming iPhone 7 Plus, you won’t be the only one thinking of seeing double. According to a note to investors sent Wednesday, from the desk of KGI Securities top analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, word has it of, not one, but two versions of the iPhone 7 Plus, to join the entry-level 4.7 inches iteration of the upcoming handset.
The note, intercepted by AppleInsider, reveals information on the Plus version of the iPhone 7, to splice into an entry-level option, featuring the same iSight camera component as the iPhone 6 Plus, and a premium version, featuring a dual iSight camera.
If this story sounds familiar, is because Apple was rumored to have already attempted this same feat in 2014, but never reached production stage due to hardware bottlenecks. With that said, Apple hasn’t given up on the idea, and reportedly tried again to integrate the new tech in the iPhone 6S.
With the acquisition of digital imaging company LinX in April 2015, Apple is likely to have found a way to finally integrate the dual camera component, at least into one variant of the upcoming iPhone 7 Plus. To corroborate the rumor, a patent was awarded to Apple, shortly after the LinX acquisition, which describes a “Small Form Factor Telephoto Camera”, very similar to what Ming-Chi Kuo describes in his memo.
By this token, it’s very possible that the camera component in the premium version of the iPhone 7 Plus, will feature a wide-angle lens, as well as a telephoto zoom lens. The two components will most likely work in concert, to provide greater flexibility, beyond what’s currently possible in standard handsets.
The price difference between the single-shooter iPhone 7 Plus, and the dual camera version could also be substantial, as the technology is expected to hit the market in short supply.
Apple’s long time supplier, Sony could also become the primary source of the new cutting-edge dual-CCM hardware.
Finally, Kuo’s prediction for the dual-camera version of the iPhone 7 Plus, places the handset within the 25%-35% range of total shipments in 2016.