Highly Credible Apple Analyst Suggests iPhone 7 Plus Will Feature a Dual-Lens Camera System
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When rumors of the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus began circulating the web last January, one of the more popular rumors surrounded the upcoming phones’ cameras. Several reports indicated that the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus would feature a dual-camera system, with true optical zoom capabilities, improved low light images, and the ability to capture HDR-quality images.
Even respected blogger John Gruber jumped in on the talk, predicting that the new camera will “represent the biggest camera jump in the history of the iPhone.” Rumors of the dual camera heated up again last April after Apple purchased Isreal-based camera company LinX, which had already made some serious innovations in the mobile camera game.
However, it turned out to be KGI Securities analyst, and Apple Nostradamus, Ming-Chi Kuo that had the correct prediction. In an April, 2015 research note he predicted a “slight upgrade” to the rear facing camera, from 8MP to 12MP, as well as the addition of 3D Touch, a series 7000 aluminum case, and more.
Kuo is at it again – in a research note released this morning, Kuo is bringing the dual-camera rumor back to the forefront, this time with the iPhone 7 Plus. In the note, Kuo predicts that two models of the 5.5-inch iPhone 7 Plus are in development, one with a single-lens rear-facing camera, and one featuring a dual-lens camera design. Kuo believes that the dual-lens system would take advantage of technology developed by LinX – more specifically, taking advantage of the “LinX imaging algorithm for its unique ability to achieve high-end dual-camera applications such as optical zoom simulation while sidestepping the traditional bottlenecks associated with compact camera module (CCM) assembly,” according to MacRumors.
The note states that, in the dual-camera system, one camera would support optical image stabilization and a wide field of view, while the second would operate as a telephoto lens with a narrow field of view.
While rumors put out this early before an iPhone release should always be taken with a grain of salt, Kuo’s track record in predictions is undeniable. However, it does seem unlikely that Apple would produce two versions of the same model phone. It is possible that Apple is testing out both models, and that only one will make it to production – or it’s possible that Apple could promote the iPhone 7 Plus featuring a dual-camera as a higher-end, more expensive option to the rest of the iPhone lineup.
Apple is expected to introduce the iPhone 7 this coming September. More details surrounding the phone will certainly come to light as September approaches. Until then, iPhone fans will have to be satiated by the release of a new 4” iPhone, set for release this coming March.
Learn More: How Apple Will Eradicate the Universally Hated iPhone “Camera Bump”
[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]