The sensor shift optical image stabilization tech found only on the top-of-the-line iPhone 12 Pro Max appears to be set to trickle down to every iPhone model with this year’s iPhone 13 refresh. That’s according to a Digitimes report, published Thursday.
More Stable iPhone Images for All
It notes that shipments for voice coil motor (VCM) components for iPhones are expected to ramp up in late June, and “outstrip” those for Android handsets by July. The report claims that:
The VCM makers mainly deliver shipments for Android handsets in the first half of the year, but such shipments are expected to be surpassed by those for iPhones in the second half, given that all new iPhones will feature the sensor-shift OIS (optical image stabilization) function, the sources said, adding that the makers have been told to raise capacity by 30-40% to meet strong demand for iPhones.
Currently, only iPhone 12 Pro Max adopts sensor-shift OIS technology, and demand for VCMs to support the function will grow 3-4 folds after all new iPhones incorporate the capability, the sources said.
Last year was the first time sensor shift stabilization was available on iPhone, having previously been a feature most associated with DSLR cameras. As Apple has said about the iPhone 12 Pro Max, “Whether you’re shooting video of your kids as you chase them around the park or holding your iPhone out the window on a bumpy road, you’ll get more precise stabilization than ever.”
This latest report backs up a previous report from January, suggesting that sensor shift stabilization would be coming to all four iPhone 13 models in 2021.
This isn’t the only feature previously exclusive to the top-end iPhones to be making its way to all iPhone handsets this year, either. The LiDAR sensor found on the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max will reportedly be available on all four iPhone 13 models this year. In the past, Apple has debuted features like OLED screens on its top-of-the-line iPhones one year, prior to rolling them out across all models.
What to Expect From iPhone 13
Other rumors for the iPhone 13 include a 1TB storage option, “always on” display, smaller notch, 120Hz ProMotion display, and the return of Touch ID, this time embedded in the iPhone display. In May, Apple chipmaker TSMC reportedly began production on the A15 chip that will power the next-gen iPhones.
Apple usually debuts its new iPhones in September. Last year, the launch of the iPhone 12 was delayed slightly due to production challenges stemming from the coronavirus pandemic. Apple has yet to announce when this year’s new iPhones will ship. However, all signs point to the fact that it is on schedule for a normal September release.
