Sam Oliver
A component claimed to be part of the motherboard for an unreleased iPhone shows Apple may employ some internal design changes where the camera lens and flash are housed.
The parts were highlighted by French Apple site Nowhereelse on Thursday, and bear a strong resemblance to the corner of the iPhone 5 motherboard. But there are some key differences between the existing phone's component and the newly pictured part claimed to be from an unreleased iPhone model.
The tweaked design can be found on the end of the motherboard that has traditionally powered the camera and flash in previous generation models. But while the ribbons holding the part were two separate pieces inside the iPhone 5, those components have been connected to form one piece in the new component.
With Apple rumored to be working on expanding the iPhone lineup, it's unknown exactly what anticipated device the purported iPhone component could be intended for. Possibilities include an "iPhone 5S" or low-cost iPhone, both of which are expected to be introduced this year. Another option could be a completely different iPhone design, potentially for a 2014 model.
Thursday's part leak only shows one corner component of the motherboard, so it does not offer an indication as to what processor or other parts might be included.
The pictured component was obtained by Japanese retailer Moumantai, which was also the source of previous leaks of alleged next-gen iPhone components. One part pictured last month showed an alleged "iPhone 5S" camera lens, along with an unidentified mystery part.
Another component shown by the same retailer claimed to feature the home button of an iPhone 5S, while a third was alleged to be the vibration motor intended for an unreleased Apple handset.
Andrew Orr
Amber Neely
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
AppleInsider Staff
39 Comments
It will be interesting to see what Apple has in store for the camera. It is amazing how sophisticated the current iPhone camera system is. I know many folks that get better results from their iPhone than a $1,000 Canon. Obviously 'auto HDR with AI built in and zero knowledge of how to use a camera required' is the reason. If only Apple would put a screen up when folks start to use the video with the iPhone held vertically asking them, 'are you really sure you want to capture video vertically so it won't fit on any screen without looking like you are a total moron?' ... I wonder if IS (Image Stabilization like higher end Canon and Nikon lenses have) is the next thing, giving extra aperture stops in low light at slower speeds ...?
I am still very disappointed in the quality of low light photos with my iPhone 5. Very disappointed. I would prefer that Apple stop trying to shrink the iPhone with each iteration and actually put in the necessary sensors to have a decent low light camera.
[quote name="digitalclips" url="/t/157442/purported-next-gen-iphone-motherboard-part-may-reveal-tweaked-camera-design#post_2324246"]It will be interesting to see what Apple has in store for the camera. It is amazing how sophisticated the current iPhone camera system is. I know many folks that get better results from their iPhone than a $1,000 Canon. Obviously 'auto HDR with AI built in and zero knowledge of how to use a camera required' is the reason. If only Apple would put a screen up when folks start to use the video with the iPhone held vertically asking them, 'are you really sure you want to capture video vertically so it won't fit on any screen without looking like you are a total moron?' ... I wonder if IS (Image Stabilization like higher end Canon and Nikon lenses have) is the next thing, giving extra aperture stops in low light at slower speeds ...?[/quote] Smartphone cameras are indeed impressive and the iPhone camera is one of the best. But if someone takes better photos with a smartphone than with a $1000 camera, they're holding it (the camera) wrong.
It will be interesting to see what Apple has in store for the camera. It is amazing how sophisticated the current iPhone camera system is. I know many folks that get better results from their iPhone than a $1,000 Canon. Obviously 'auto HDR with AI built in and zero knowledge of how to use a camera required' is the reason. If only Apple would put a screen up when folks start to use the video with the iPhone held vertically asking them, 'are you really sure you want to capture video vertically so it won't fit on any screen without looking like you are a total moron?' ...
I wonder if IS (Image Stabilization like higher end Canon and Nikon lenses have) is the next thing, giving extra aperture stops in low light at slower speeds ...?
I'm calling bullshit on some of what you said, anyone that knows anything about photography would be turning in their graves.
No doubt, someone with an iPhone could compose a great photo, i use mine all the time, the sensor in an iPhone doesn't come close to a DSLR or even a decent 4/3rd camera or a mirror-less, its about sensor size, the better & BIGGER the sensor the more light it can capture, better sensitivity, sorry to jump on you there, I'm really into photography & this is a growing miss conception in tech, an iPhone can replace a compact camera right now, i think it has, any camera that is more serious owns an iPhone as far as photo taking, sorry, ill get back on point.
what apple might do is put a larger sensor & lens, which could give a better ISO sensitivity & with better glass, could get some great low light shots, improve day shooting too, at this point, unless they make iPhone thicker, i don't think we will see, real IS or optical zoom, which I'm fine with right now.
[quote name="jglonek" url="/t/157442/purported-next-gen-iphone-motherboard-part-may-reveal-tweaked-camera-design#post_2324252"]I am still very disappointed in the quality of low light photos with my iPhone 5. Very disappointed. I would prefer that Apple stop trying to shrink the iPhone with each iteration and actually put in the necessary sensors to have a decent low light camera. [/quote] Don't know if Apple has reached that point yet but there's no question the pursuit of thinness will compromise photography.