14 DAY TRIAL // Industry sources are reporting that high-profile camera sensor manufacturers have landed orders with Apple for the next-generation iPhone 5.
Trade publication DigiTimes takes it upon itself to inform that the majority of CMOS image sensor (CIS) orders placed by Apple for the fifth-generation iPhone has been grabbed by OmniVision.
OmniVision is the current main supplier of image sensors for the iPhone 4, iPod touch 4G, and iPad 2.
Market sources have claimed that power amplifier supplier Avago Technologies is handling the WCDMA version of the device.
We're left to understand this is the company’s first such contract with the Cupertino tech giant.
Sony is also mentioned as a camera supplier, though the Japanese electronics company is regarded more as a backup. Sony will supply a mere 10 percent, or less, of the total camera orders of which some 90% go entirely to OmniVision.
The sources reportedly specified that “the upcoming device will feature a built-in 8-megapixel camera.”
The report outlines an expected growth in OmniVision’s total wafer starts at foundry partner Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) to almost 260,000 8-inch equivalent units in the third quarter, thanks to the orders landed with Apple.
Finally, the sources mention that Avago, the company that used to supply PAs for the CDMA version of iPhone 4, will manufacture three of the five PAs used in the WCDMA version of the iPhone 5.
The remaining two will reportedly be provided by TriQuint Semiconductor, a long time partner of Apple.
Up until this year, the Apple fan base had grown accustomed to an annual refresh cycle of the iPhone.
Since 2007, every other summer saw the introduction of an updated model, but this year Apple has failed to deliver.
However, it is still possible for the company to unveil new hardware at a fall event, though Apple generally reserves autumn for iPod announcements.