A report in the Nikkei Asian Review claims that Sony will double its supply of camera components to Apple by next year. The company already supplies CMOS sensors for the rear-camera, and is likely to power the front-facing camera as well in future iPhones.
From Nikkei’s report:
Sony has entered negotiations with Apple to double its supply of camera components for a new iPhone slated to roll out as early as next year, taking another step in its pivot toward the mobile and imaging fields.
The Japanese firm already supplies nearly all of the CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) sensors for the current iPhone models’ rear-mounted main cameras. Apple is likely looking to switch to Sony sensors for the secondary camera on the screen side, used for taking self-portraits.
Sony is estimated to supply more than a 100 million CMOS sensors to Apple, and with this, the number could go up to 200 million. To step up manufacturing, the company has purchased a new plant and plans to invest 35 billion yen ($341 million) towards it. The report also adds that Sony has started supplying batteries for the iPad Air.
The iPhone 5s has an 8MP rear camera with the ability to shoot 120fps video, and a 1.2MP front facing FaceTime camera. The iPhone 6 is rumored to feature a similar rear-facing camera, but an improved 3.2MP front camera for better FaceTime calls.
Sony is currently in the middle of selling off its computer business and plans to spin off its TV segment. The company is pinning its hopes on the imaging and mobile divisions to “revive” its electronics business.
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