Apple brings a new supplier for iPhone 13, future iPad camera lens

Apple analyst Ming Chi Kuo has dropped some new tidbits about the upcoming iPhone, dubbed as the iPhone 13. According to the analyst (via 9to5 Apple), Apple is bringing a new lens supplier in its chain for the iPhone 13 camera lens. It has been mentioned that Sunny Optical has passed Apple's approvals process for iPad lenses. And considering the history of component usage by the firm, it is most likely that the same lens will be approved to make the main camera lens for the iPhone 13 lineup.

It's worth mentioning that orders for the 7-element lens for the main camera of iPhones are split between Largan, Yujingguang, and Kantatsu. These supply the lens to LG Innotek for incorporation into the camera module. However, now, Sunny Optical is set to be approved as the additional supplier for these lenses.

Also read: iPhone 13 series to feature upgraded ultra wide cameras

It's not a secret that Apple has multiple suppliers for several iPhone and other device components. This is said to be for two reasons - First could be the security of the supply, which means that if there is a problem with one supplier, the other one can keep the supply going. The second reason could be cost management. Having multiple suppliers can give Apple a negotiating strength.

According to the preliminary reports based on the analysis by Ming Chi Kuo, the iPhone 13 is expected to have a widened aperture from f/2.4 to f/1.8. This will result in capturing twice as much light and improving the low light camera performance.

He also mentioned that the number of elements in the camera will be increased from five to six. It's worth adding that more elements in the lens will mean less reduction in the distortion levels. Also expected is that the ultra wide lens will get autofocus for the first time. Right now, in the iPhone 12 series, the ultra wide lens is fixed focus. Although this might not sound huge, including an autofocus might be useful for closer wide angle shots.