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Apple may introduce sensor-shift optical image stabilization to the ultra-wide angle lenses in the "iPhone 13 Pro" lineup later in 2021, supply chain sources claim.
Currently, only the iPhone 12 Pro Max features sensor-shift stabilization. But DigiTimes now reports that the feature could arrive on "new iPhone models" models released in 2021, citing industry sources.
"Apple will reportedly upgrade ultra-wide-angle lenses of rear cameras for new iPhone models to be launched in second-half 2021 by adopting sensor-shift OIS (optical image stabilization) and automatic focus (AF)," the report reads.
That suggests that sensor-shift stabilization will be introduced on at least one more model, possibly the higher-end "iPhone 13 Pro." However, DigiTimes doesn't specify, and the entire iPhone 12 lineup featured ultra-wide lenses. In either case, the new lenses will also feature automatic focus, the publication added.
Sensor-shift OIS stabilizes a camera's sensor instead of its lens, offering better photo quality and improved stabilization for images. Apple introduced the feature to its iPhone lineup in 2020 on the iPhone 12 Pro Max's wide lens.
Apple describes the feature as one that was "only on DSLR cameras" until the iPhone 12 Pro Max. "Whether you're shooting video of your kids as you chase them around the park or holding your iPhone out the window on a bumpy road, you'll get more precise stabilization than ever," the company says on its website.
In addition to the upgraded stabilization, TF Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently forecast that the new iPhone lineup will also feature 120Hz ProMotion displays, LiDAR scanners, and more.
Back in February, Kuo also predicted that the "iPhone 13" could feature improved f/1.8 ultra-wide lenses with variable autofocus.
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
AppleInsider Staff
Chip Loder
Malcolm Owen
4 Comments
Even the cheaper Android phones now have the 120Hz ProMotion displays. LOL!
Here is a sample gallery for the interested: https://www.dpreview.com/sample-galleries/0254203128/apple-iphone-12-sample-gallery/1889281334
In particular the 12 UW lens as reported seems improved in some areas, with (to these eyes) room to improve peripheral sharpness further (admittedly challenging for UW) as compared to the seemingly very sharp 'main' WA lens...
I noted UW softness and video cropping testing iPhone 11, the latter presumed relating to image stabilization, which conceptually I ask if it is more applicable to longer focal lengths ? The 11 UW video cropping in particular seemed patently significant, unsure why it is rarely discussed in reviews, and can apparently be reduced using 3rd party imaging apps ?
Will lucky 13 check all the boxes...?