14 DAY TRIAL // The iPhone 7 launched only a couple of months ago, but everyone seems to be talking more about the next model, which, according to various sources, is going to bring some pretty substantial upgrades.
KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who is making the headlines regularly now with scoops on Apple products, believes that Cupertino will also focus on improving one key area of the iPhone with the 2017 release: the camera.
According to a note rolled out recently, the analyst thinks that Apple will almost certainly go for dual optical image stabilization for iPhone 8 models that will include dual-camera configurations. He says the telephoto lens will be significantly upgraded and dual OIS will become a priority for the firm.
New telephoto lens?
Apple, however, will have to deal with some drawbacks of the planned upgrade, so a complete redesign of the telephoto lens is very likely because the company doesn’t want to make any compromises.
“We believe Apple will add OIS function to the telephoto CCM in order to enhance the selling points of next year’s new iPhone. We think photo quality and optical zoom range may both improve as a result,” he said,
“We expect the telephoto lens will be redesigned to support OIS in the telephoto CCM, with challenges likely coming from: (1) the need to increase the image circle of the telephoto lens, which will lead to longer calibration time and a more complex assembly processes; and (2) a redesign of the telephoto lens, as an increased image circle will result in degraded photo quality around the corners.”
Rumor has it that Apple is planning to launch three different iPhone models next year, including the typical 4.7- and 5.5-inch models, but also a 5.1 or 5.2-inch version. Furthermore, there’s speculation that Apple could introduce a new 5.8-inch iPhone that could sell as Pro model and feature the long-rumored OLED display as default.
Certainly, all this speculation catches the attention of every fanboy, but we’re still far from the moment when the next iPhone is supposed to make the debut, so just take everything as an early rumor for the time being.