2018 iPhone X to retain 6P lens design for rear camera, claims analyst

Previous speculations made us believe that Apple will integrate a 7P lens (seven-lens plastic array) or 2G3P (two glass, three plastic) for the camera of the iPhone X successor slated for 2018. In contrast to these speculations, it is said that the company will use the same 6P lens design for the next year models.

The reliable KGI analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo stated in a note to the investors that Apple might stick on to the 6P lens next year too, claims an Apple Insider report. The iPhone X uses the 6P lens design and if the company moves to the 7P lens, there will be a great risk on the iPhone X successor's supply chain. Kuo states that Apple is in plans to avoid opting for components those will result in supply constraints, which happened this year with the iPhone X.

The iPhone X's camera specifications help the device strike a phenomenal balance between the picture quality and form factor, notes the analyst. By switching to the new 7P lens design, the company might be able to improve the aperture performance in the 2018 iPhones. But this move will delay the shipments due to the manufacturing issues.

To recap on the iPhone X camera specs, the device uses a wide-angle lens with f/2.4 aperture that is faster than the f/2.8 aperture on the iPhone 8 Plus. For the very first time, Apple has implemented the dual optical stabilization feature for the rear cameras on the smartphone. With these features, the iPhone X has the most advanced camera on an iPhone ever.

If Apple sticks to the 6P lens, the rivals of Largan, which is the supplier for Apple will witness a slight increase in the market share. However, this will not be significant enough to leave an impact on the market position of Largan.