iPhone 13 Pro models are expected to feature improved ultra-wide lens with autofocus and sensor-shift stabilization, as per a new report by DigiTimes.
This report corroborates the previous reports by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who claimed that the ultra-wide lens in iPhone 13 will feature autofocus, and a faster f1.8 aperture, compared to the slow f2.4 aperture in iPhone 12 Pro’s ultra-wide lens. This will improve the performance of the ultra-wide lens in low-light conditions, where it severely lacks in current iPhones.
Autofocus and sensor-shift stabilization coming to iPhone 13 Pro ultra wide lens
The report by DigiTimes says that the demand for VCM (voice coil motors) for new iPhone models in 2021 will increase because of their use for autofocus and sensor-shift optical image stabilization in ultra-wide lens:
Alps Alpine and Mizumi are two main suppliers of VCMs used in iPhone 12 Pro Max, the sources said. Apple will reportedly upgrade ultra-wide-angle lenses of rear cameras for new iPhone models to be launched in second-half 2021 by adopting sensor-shift OIS (optical image stabilization) and automatic focus (AF), the sources noted. Consequently, there will be bigger demand for VCMs and the demand will further increase if Apple adopts sensor-shift OIS and AF for front cameras of new iPhone models to be launched in 2022, the sources indicated.
The report also says that Apple could adopt sensor-shift stabilization and autofocus for front-facing cameras in 2022 iPhone models. Ming-Chi Kuo had just reported yesterday that select 2022 iPhone models will adopt punch-hole display and feature autofocus for their front-facing cameras.
Currently, sensor-shift optical image stabilization is only available on iPhone 12 Pro Max, for its wide lens. Sensor-shift OIS moves the sensor instead of the lens, which results in a much smoother result, allowing for longer hand-held exposures and stable video capture. This is one of the reasons that iPhone 12 Pro Max can capture a longer exposure for its night mode photos, compared to other iPhone 12 models.
A previous report by Ming-Chi Kuo had said that all iPhone 13 models will feature sensor-shift stabilization, including the non-Pro models. If this turns out to be true, we should definitely see the feature come to front-facing cameras next.
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