Apple's Upcoming iPhone Camera Enhancements May Come with Higher Costs
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reveals significant changes to the iPhone camera lineup, including a variable aperture lens for the iPhone 18 Pro that may see a price increase.
Key changes are slated for Apple's iPhone camera system, particularly with the introduction of a variable-aperture main camera for the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, this new camera lens is expected to be 50% more expensive than the current high-end lens system. Kuo noted that Apple plans to source a substantial portion of these components from Sunny Optical while continuing to rely on Largan as its primary supplier.
While this increase in component costs is significant, Kuo indicated that it may not necessarily result in a price hike for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. However, the timing of these changes could impact Apple's profit margins, as the company is also facing rising memory costs.
Looking further ahead, Kuo mentioned advancements for the 2028 iPhone, where Apple intends to transition the ultra-wide camera module from a flip-chip packaging method to an improved chip-on-board design. Details on why the shift is occurring were not specified, though Kuo suggested that Sunny Optical is well-positioned to support this development.