Apple iPhone 12 camera lens supplier facing quality issues: Report

by
San Francisco, Aug 4 (IANS) Apple has confirmed that the launch of the iPhone 12 will be delayed due to "temporarily constrained" supply chain and now a new report claims that the launch will be split into two stages. The Cupertino based tech giant is planning to launch four different models of the iPhone 12 later this year, sporting 5.4-inch, 6.1-inch, and 6.7-inch OLED screens. However, Apple may launch two 6.1-inch iPhone 12 followed by the 5.4-inch and 6.7-inch models at a later date, reports DigiTimes. The 6.1-inch models will be available first as suppliers have begun to ship SLP (substrate-like PCB) mainboards for them. Whereas, the SLP for the other two models will start shipping by suppliers starting late August. The 6.7-inch and 6.1-inch model will be higher-end devices with triple-lens cameras, while the 5.4 and 6.1-inch models will be lower-end iPhones with dual-lens cameras and a more affordable price tag. All four iPhone models are expected to feature OLED displays and 5G support, as famed Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously claimed. This would not be the first time Apple had spaced out an iPhone launch. In 2018, the iPhone 8 was launched in September and the iPhone X in November.

San Francisco: Apple is expected to launch four new iPhones under the iPhone 12 series and now a new report suggests that one of the camera lens suppliers for the upcoming non-Pro iPhone 12 models is facing quality issues.

According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Genius Electronic Optical has discovered issues with cracking coatings on the wide-angle camera lens destined for the lower-end 5.4-inch and 6.1-inch iPhone 12 models. The problem appeared during high-temperature/high-humidity (HTHH) testing, reports MacRumors.

However, the issue would not impact the launch or shipping schedule of the upcoming iPhone as Apple’s other main suppliers are expected to make up the difference.

“We believe that in the uncertain timetable for Genius to solve the quality problem of film cracking, Apple will give priority to purchasing Largan’s low-end wide-angle lens at least in the initial supply stage to ensure that the two aluminum-framed iPhone 12 can be as scheduled,” the report quoted Kuo as saying.

The upcoming iPhone 12 series is expected to include two premium variants.

iPhone 12 Pro will come in 6.1-inch or 6.7-inch sizes and may feature a high refresh-rate 120Hz ProMotion display, as presently seen on iPad Pro.

The rear camera module on the device will house four sensors with a LiDAR scanner which was introduced in the recently launched Apple iPad Pro.

All four iPhone models are expected to feature OLED displays and 5G support.

Source: IANS