Rumoured iPhone 14 may get ‘unibody’ camera design, here’s what it means

In addition, the analyst claims that the iPhone maker may upgrade its telephoto shooter on high-end phones from 6P Lens array to a 7P lens array in 2022.

Apple iPhone 12. (Unsplash)

Apple analyst Ming Chi Kuo, in a new investors note on Tuesday, gave some predictions on the upcoming iPhone's cameras. According to Kuo, the 2022 iPhone will come with so called “unibody” rear lens design and will adopt periscope arrays as well. The unibody design is said to integrate the camera's voice coil motor with its lens array. This will be different as the current modules which take the same components as separate parts, take more space. So, the unibody design may probably save some internal space while increasing the device robustness.

In addition, the analyst claims that the iPhone maker may upgrade its telephoto shooter on high-end phones from 6P Lens array to a 7P lens array in 2022. For those unaware, the 7P Lens stack in iPhone 12 sits atop the wide angle camera module. So it can take more light while shooting and cut down on chromatic aberrations.

It has also been mentioned that in 2023, the telephoto lens will get the periscope design for the first time. To recall, periscope lenses or folding lenses are composed of a series of prisms and mirrors that extend the focal length of the compact lens array.

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In the research note (via Apple Insider), Kuo has added that Apple plans to change its iPhone optics in 2021. And it will start by moving from glass to plastic cover materials for face ID. The high-end models, however, will get the new telephoto lens with 6P Lens stack, which will be an upgrade from the current 5P design.

Meanwhile, according to an investor's note shared by Macrumors, Barclays analysts say that the ultra-wide angle lens in all four upcoming iPhone 13 models will have a wider f/1.8 aperture. That's better than the f/2.4 aperture available on iPhone 12 models. This also means that you will be able to click better low light photos with iPhone 13 devices. The analysts add that the iPhone 13 Pro will also feature the iPhone 12 Pro Max's telephoto lens with a 65mm focal length and f/2.2 aperture.