Next Generation Dual-Lens Camera with 3D Technology Could Be Coming to Apple’s iPhone 8

Next Generation Dual-Lens Camera with 3D Technology Could Be Coming to Apple's iPhone 8
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With the iPhone 7 hysteria all but settled down by now, many of Apple’s most die-hard fans have begun to shift their focus to the Cupertino-company’s forthcoming, 2017 iPhone refresh. And that’s for a fairly good reason, too, especially seeing as how the current slate of rumors about this mystical, yet-to-be-announced ‘iPhone 8’ are really starting to heat up.

Among other noteworthy advancements, Apple’s 10th anniversary flagship — in whatever shape or form it ultimately launches — is poised to feature next-generation internals, wireless charging, a curved OLED display, and the possibility of a vastly redesigned external housing boasting new construction materials. And while little is known about the impending device’s optical abilities at this time, a new report appears to shed some much needed light on what Apple might have in store for us next fall — and it’s simply awesome!

According to the report, which CultOfMac alleges was provided to them courtesy of “people familiar with Apple’s vast, Far East supply chain,” the Cupertino, California-based tech-titan is “currently investigating” the possibility of equipping (at least one variant) of its ‘iPhone 8’ with a next-generation dual-lens camera module that’s capable of capturing images in vivid, three dimensional (3D) depth of field.

The report alleges that Apple is working directly with its current dual-lens camera supplier, LG Innotek, to develop and test these new, highly-advanced camera modules — more than likely because of LG’s exclusivity in providing Apple with dual-lens camera modules for its iPhone 7 Plus; but also because LG has previous experience developing a smartphone capable of capturing “3D images.”

Indeed, back in 2011, albeit to mixed reviews, LG introduced its iconic Optimus 3D smartphone, which was touted as the first of such devices to boast authentic 3D-quality imaging capabilities. The Optimus 3D, itself, was a bit of a specialty, hit-or-miss device — however, what users seemed to love most about it, was that the smartphone could seamlessly transition between standard 2D and 3D photos with the mere toggle of a switch.

Also likely to help Apple in its pursuit to a 3D-capable camera, is the company’s 2015 acquisition of LinX Computational Imaging — the Israel-based motion imaging firm known best for having developed its own 3D mapping interface.

Of course, fast-forward about five years to the present day, and it’s pretty clear that the whole “dual-lens camera” scene has become much more of a commercialized reality than ever before. As a matter of fact, dual-lens cameras are integral components in helping shape 3D images, since both lenses work in dichotomy to capture an image in which multiple angles of the shot converge into one exceptionally deep and vivid photo. To learn more about the technology that makes Apple’s dual-lens camera possible, be sure to check out our previous article that explains the science behind it.

Are you looking forward to the possibility of being able to capture 3D images with your ‘iPhone 8’?
Let us know in the comments!

[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.]

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