In July, we heard trusted Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predict that the iPhone would get periscope lenses as soon as 2022. A report followed in November saying the same thing. As we close to closing 2020, we have a third report corroborating the technology that could allow Apple to bring up to 10x optical zoom to iPhone cameras that would debut in the coming years.
In the July report, Kuo didn’t share many details beyond Apple using Samsung Electro-Mechanics (SEMCO) to supply periscope lenses for the iPhone in 2022.
Last month, Digitimes echoed the same thing: that Apple was looking to improve its zoom features for the iPhone, and that it was exploring SEMCO’s use for periscope lenses. However, we did not get any further details.
Now, a third report from The Elec (via MacRumors) reiterates that Apple is studying the use of SEMCO periscope lenses in future iPhones that could offer up to 10x optical zoom. It does cover the timeline a bit more though, suggesting it could be 2022-2023 before Apple rolls out the camera update.
The Elec brings a few nuances to Apple keeping LG InnoTek happy as it gets periscope lenses from SEMCO and the solution Apple could employ:
Apple can technically protect folded zoom modules directly from Samsung Electro-Mechanics. However, this may damage your relationship with LG InnoTek, your long-time supplier of high-end camera modules.
Samsung Electronics will also not allow Samsung Electro-Mechanics to supply the modules directly to Apple. Some of the patents related to actuators and other components are also co-owned by Samsung Electronics, Jahwa Electronics, and other vendors.
Apple can avoid these problems, such as patents, by having LG InnoTek protect Samsung Electro-Mechanics components.
Read more below about how periscope lenses work and how they can enable up to 10x optical zoom without sacrificing image quality.
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