Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) only recently launched the much-awaited iPhone X, and media and analysts are pretty much busy with that. However, that does not mean Apple is also stuck on the iPhone X as reports are that the company has already started working to make its 2019 iPhones different from others (even from the iPhone X).
3D Sensor System for 2019 iPhones
A report from Bloomberg on Tuesday claimed that the U.S. firm is planning 3D depth-sensing technology for the rear cameras in its 2019 iPhones. The 3D sensor system technology will reportedly be different from what is currently used in the iPhone X’s front-facing camera. The iPhone maker would continue to use the existing TrueDepth camera in the front camera to support Face ID, while the new technology will be fitted in the rear cameras, the report says.
Apple’s TrueDepth camera uses a structured-light technique to project a pattern onto a user’s face for generating an accurate 3D image for authentication. The technology planned for the 2019 iPhones would instead use a time-of-flight approach, the time for a laser to bounce off surrounding objects, to create a 3D picture. The new system would presumably give results that are a lot more precise and robust.
Apple is reportedly in discussions with several manufacturers for the technology including Panasonic, Sony, STMicroelectronics and Infineon. The development is in its early stages, so there are chances that the technology may never come to the phone at all. Nevertheless, the 3D sensor system could prove the next big thing in transforming the smartphone into a device supporting augmented reality.
Apple CE Tim Cook has already made his feelings clear for the AR, calling it as revolutionary as the smartphone itself. Cook talked in detail about the AR in the most recent earnings call.
“We’re already seeing things that will transform the way you work, play, connect and learn. AR is going to change the way we use technology forever,” Cook said.
In addition, Apple has already introduced a software tool called ARKit this year. The tool makes it easier for developers to design AR-based apps for the iPhone. So, it appears to be the right time for Apple to build on the foundation that it has created thus far.
What Apple plans for 2018 iPhones?
Meanwhile, talking about Apple’s 2018 iPhone plans, trusted KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says the company would come up with three new iPhone models next year. The new iPhone will include 5.8-inch and 6.5-inch models with OLED displays, and a 6.1-inch model with LCD. Further, the analyst notes that all the 2018 iPhones will have a full-screen notched design and TrueDepth camera system.
“We believe the major hardware difference in the two new OLED models is size, in a bid to satisfy various needs of the high-end market. The new TFT-LCD model will differ significantly from the OLED models in hardware and design specs (for instance, the PPI will be lower),” Kuo says in his latest research note (obtained by MacRumors).
On Monday, Apple shares closed down 0.40% at $173.97. Year to date, the stock is up over 50%, while in the last three months, it is up over 10%.
