Roger Fingas
A new image published on Thursday shows what's said to be a redesigned rear camera module for the "iPhone 7," widely expected to ship in mid- to late September.
The module, seen in a photo obtained by NWE, most noticeably features an L-shaped flex cable, different from the cables used for the iPhone 6 and 6s as well as their Plus variants. It otherwise bears similarities to the cameras in the 6 Plus and 6s Plus, however, which may back rumors that all models of the "iPhone 7" will support optical image stabilization.
Previously optical stabilization was reserved for Plus buyers. The feature can significantly reduce motion blur — rendering clearer shots in action scenes and low lighting — but also requires a slightly bigger camera module, built to accomodate the motion compensation mechanism.
All recent leaks of the "iPhone 7" have shown an enlarged camera bump on the rear, hinting at some form of improved camera. The "7 Plus" should actually have a dual-lens camera, though it's unclear what the second lens will do — while it could offer telephoto functions, it might also simply aid image quality.
Both new iPhones are generally expected to be "interim" updates, concentrating on faster processors and upgraded camera technology. They may also have changes like a pressure-sensitive home button, however, and 32 gigabytes of default storage.
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6 Comments
this makes sense -- Plus gets the newer camera tech since there's more room to work with, and then it gets miniaturized and put into the non-plus later. I'd be happy with this.
It would make sense but the image doesn’t show anything that proves it is an Apple module, there is no Apple logo like on the other modules, the flex cable is different, the connector is different, even the housing cutouts are different from the Plus camera module.
Video is also stabilized.
No surprise here. Plus will always get something first then it will trickle down to the regular size.
I have said this all along, when everyone was decrying the lack of features coming in the 7. The smaller 4.7" iPhone 7 will likely inherit features of the 6s Plus where feasible, to make the upgrade case more appealing. OIS for photos and video will be a very compelling camera feature for ~80+% of the iPhone installed base that don't have an iPhone 6s Plus.
Add in the rumoured (and due) bumps in storage capacities (to allow space for those great videos & photos), usual A10 benefits, likely much better audio functionality, better screen (trickle down from iPad Pro), and maybe a surprise related to on-device learning/intelligence - and you have a very solid upgrade for majority of the iPhone base, no matter if the external case is only slightly changed.