According to Ming-Chi Kuo, a reputable Apple analyst, Sony will replace Lumentum and WIN Semi as the exclusive supplier of LiDAR scanner components for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. This change will allow for improved performance of the LiDAR scanner, which could contribute to longer battery life or allow for the scanner to offer improved performance at the same level of power consumption as on existing iPhones.
The new time-of-flight VCSEL from Sony, which is expected to have lower power consumption than Apple’s existing suppliers, could benefit camera features like Night mode and autofocus, as well as augmented reality uses.
The LiDAR scanner, which can measure light distance and capture depth information, was first introduced on the iPhone 12 Pro models in 2020, and the hardware is expected to remain exclusive to iPhone 15 Pro models.
Apple has been investing in augmented reality technology for years, and the LiDAR scanner is a significant part of that effort. The improved LiDAR scanner in the iPhone 15 Pro models will be a major selling point for photographers, videographers, and other creative professionals who rely on advanced camera features to produce high-quality work. Additionally, the LiDAR scanner’s ability to capture depth information will benefit users who use augmented reality apps or play AR games.
The exclusive supply agreement with Sony for LiDAR scanner components is a significant move for Apple, as the company looks to improve its devices’ performance and stay ahead of the competition.
The improved LiDAR scanner is expected to be one of the standout features of the iPhone 15 Pro models, and it will likely contribute to the devices’ success in the market.
The new LiDAR scanner will be a welcome improvement for iPhone users who have come to rely on Apple’s advanced camera features, and it will likely attract new customers who are looking for a high-quality camera experience.
As Apple continues to invest in augmented reality technology, we can expect to see more improvements in the LiDAR scanner and other hardware components in future iPhone models.
