iPhone 7 To Feature Light Field Imaging, Force Touch [REPORT]

Apple fans were looking forward to the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus until a few weeks ago. But KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said earlier this month that there won’t be any such thing as an iPhone 6S or 6S Plus. That’s because Apple will jump directly to the iPhone 7. Kuo has an exceptional track record of predicting Apple’s future products.

Apple aims to improve iPhone camera quality

Apple Insider has spotted a patent filed by Apple, which may make its way into the next iPhone. The patent explores software side of light field imaging. The technology edits data produced by highly specialized sensors to change the depth of field or focus in a photo editing app. It describes a light field camera that captures light as well as the direction at which light rays enter the camera system. Customers can use this data set to produce a variety of images.

Earlier this week, Apple confirmed the acquisition of Israeli imaging technology firm LinX. Apple Insider says the Cupertino company may connect LinX’s sensors with the light field camera system. The Israeli company has highly advanced sensors that can help Apple improve low-light performance, color fidelity, refocusing, HDR and shutter lag in its future iPhones.

TPK, GIS to supply Force Touch sensor for iPhone 7

There have been rumors that the Cupertino company may incorporate the Force Touch technology first seen in Apple Watch into the iPhone 7. Now Taiwan-based DigiTimes has learned from supply chain sources that Apple is indeed going to add Force Touch to the iPhone 7. Touch panel makers in Taiwan told DigiTimes that the company is still experimenting where the sensor will be placed.

Sources said that GIS and TPK will supply Force Touch sensors for the iPhone 7. The iPhone maker is experimenting two different design options. One is to place the sensor between the In-Cell touch panel and the outermost protective screen cover. Another option is to place it below the touch panel backlighting layer. The second option is more likely, says DigiTimes. That’s because the tech giant wants to avoid interference with the In-Cell touch panel.