14 DAY TRIAL // While Apple is expected to launch three different iPhone models this year, bigger upgrades are projected to land in 2019, and one of them is a triple-camera system for at least one model of the revised lineup.
This is what Rosenblatt analyst Jun Zhang said in a note to investors this week, explaining that Apple is likely to use ToF 3D sensing tech for the rear cameras. ToF (or time-of-flight) cameras benefit from faster focusing and shooting, being able to take up to 160 images per second in some implementations.
Apple could thus expand the camera capabilities of the iPhone with more features for faster operation, improved zooming with telephoto lens upgrade, and overall improved sensors for higher detail level and refined performance in low light conditions.
Even though it’s way too early to discuss Apple’s plans for the 2019 generation of iPhone, recent reports have indicated that the company might be pondering bringing back the fingerprint sensor to the device, though in a different implementation.
Touch ID coming back?
While Apple is all about Face ID right now, with all three models launching this year expected to feature facial recognition, the company is also investing in ultrasonic fingerprint sensors integrated into the screen, which would technically mark the return of Touch ID.
It’s believed that Apple is now working with partners on prototypes to test the accuracy of such tech, as making it tougher to crack is one priority for the company.
Big upgrades are expected on this year’s iPhone too, and a more affordable LCD configuration should see daylight as well. Apple could embrace a strategy similar to the one it used for the iPhone 5c and launch this model in various colors, like yellow, blue, and pink.
The 2018 iPhone trio could go live in September ahead of the beginning of sales later the same month. A second-generation iPhone SE is also on the table for a 2018 launch, but details in this regard are still contradictory, to say the least.