During yesterday morning’s FQ4 conference call, the Apple supplier Lumentum reported a huge increase in orders for 3D sensing laser components that are expected to be included in the upcoming iPhone 8. The sensors will enable the use of advanced augmented reality features.
Allegedly, the company has $200 million in orders during the quarter up from only $5 million in revenue for the 3D sensing tech up until the June quarter. Analyst Gene Munster (LoupVentures) has set his prediction at 55 million units this year for the next-gen iPhone which will rise to 160 million next year:
We believe the majority, if not they entire order, is all being shipped to Apple. We believe these comments further confirms 3D sensing (and in-turn AR applications) will be a focus feature in the next iPhone. In addition, Lumentum highlighted they have increased VCSEL laser capacity by 25 – 30% from what they anticipated only one quarter ago. Given the uptick in Management’s demand forecast, we believe advanced 3D sensing capabilities will be integrated in more iPhones that what most were previously expecting.
Munster’s predication is based on the fact that only the high-end models will include this 3D sensor feature and that models with this tech will start at $950.
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