Foxconn to take on iPhone camera component assembly

Apple's major supplier Foxconn, is to take on assembling iPhone camera components instead of fitting completed units.

Apple is continually developing its iPhone cameras, with the 2022 "iPhone 15" range expected to add a new unibody system. Perhaps in preparation for that system, Foxconn has reportedly now been charged with assembling lens and other components, rather than buying in finished camera modules from other companies.

According to The Elec, Foxconn is buying camera module inspection equipment from South Korean firm Hyvision System. It's specifically intended to inspect the alignment of image sensors, wide, ultra wide and telephoto lenses.

Previously, Apple bought pre-assembled camera modules from firms including LG InnoTek. Hyvision System is reportedly also providing inspection equipment to LG InnoTek, this time specifically relating to 3D time of flight modules.

It's believed to be a cost-saving measure. No further details are known, but extending Foxconn's existing production lines to include assembling these components is likely to be more cost-effective than paying for separate assembly in other companies.

Separately, LG InnoTek has been reported to be working on an improved zoom camera for the iPhone, perhaps a folding system using Samsung components.