Kuo: There are no significant updates to the main goal of the iPhone iPhone camera until at least 2022 [Updated]

IPhone camera lenses may not see significant hardware updates until at least 2022, according to a new research note by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo seen by MacRumors.

Today’s note focuses on a new price war between Largan lens suppliers and Genius Electronic Optical, which will affect supplier profitability, with Genius Electronic Optical at high risk due to its heavy reliance on Apple, combined with Largan’s willingness to reduce prices and with the future entry of Sunny Optical. in the supply chain of the high-end camera lens.

We predict that Largan will negotiate the ASP of mid-to-high obiectiviPhone‌ targets by about 15-25% in 1H21 to increase its capacity utilization rate. Yujingguang’s [Genius Electronic Optical’s] the order ratio, capacity utilization rate and gross profit margin will be directly affected. The impact of the price war will begin in January 2021, and Yujingguang’s January revenue may increase by only one figure a year or even decrease.

Kuo specifically predicts that there will be “no significant upgrade of the camera lens in 2022,” indicating that the challenges for Genius Electronic Optical could extend for several years, unless structural challenges in the lens industry are significantly improved or if Yujingguang can significantly reduce its dependence. to Apple orders. “

Despite Kuo’s prediction that there will be no significant hardware advances for camera lenses in the 21iPhone‌ models for 2021 and 2022, this does not necessarily mean that there will be no improvements in the overall performance of the camera. Apple is also making a considerable effort in terms of camera capabilities software, so we may still see new features and other changes due to improvements in both the software and other elements of the camera’s hardware stack beyond. of objectives.

update: As mentioned by 9to5Mac, Kuo’s comments can only refer to the main lens of the camera, as he previously discussed future updates for ultrawide and telephoto lenses. Kuo’s report is not entirely clear what lens or lenses he is referring to.