Despite the fact that Apple hasn’t even launched the 2019 iPhone lineup, a lot of attention is being focused on next year’s models. Including a new rumor suggesting some built-in technology for the rear cameras.
According to documentation obtained by MacRumors, Apple is planning on launching at least two iPhone models in 2020 that will boast Time-of-Flight (ToF) camera setups on the back. The information was put together by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo as part of an analyst report delivered to investors.
The 3D-sensing technology could be baked into two iPhone models arriving in 2020, based on the information shared by Kuo:
We predict that three new 2H20 iPhone models will all be equipped with front Face ID, and two of the new models will provide rear ToF. We estimate that shipments of iPhone models equipped with front and rear VCSEL (front structure light and rear ToF) will be 45mn units in 2020.
As noted above, the report also states that at least two of the iPhone models coming down the line in 2020 will feature Face ID as part of the front-facing camera setup. That stands in contrast that Apple is planning to launch new iPhone models with full-screen Touch ID and a notch-less design.
Earlier today, it was reported that, contrary to popular rumors, Apple is indeed planning on including 5G-connectivity in all three new iPhone models in 2020.
As for this particular rumor, a ToF 3D sensing camera relies on laser technology, rather than the current Face ID system that relies on dot projector and infrared cameras. A ToF camera system can offer up improved depth perception. For augmented reality situations, this means that virtual objects can be placed better in the shot.
And this is not the first time that Apple has been rumored to adopt a ToF 3D sensing camera system, with one early rumor popping up in November of last year.
If this rumor pans out, it stands to reason that Apple will include this ToF technology in the high-end models, which are said to feature 5.4- and 6.7-inch OLED displays. Meanwhile, the third option is said to feature a 6.1-inch OLED display.
Basically, it sounds like Apple is going to stack the rear cameras in the 2020 lineup with technology. Does any of that sound interesting to you, especially as it relates to augmented reality features?