Analyst says that Apple will not use cheaper parts or reduce accuracy for TrueDepth Camera on 2018 models

The Apple iPhone X hasn't even been launched yet, and already KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo is writing to clients about the 2018 Apple iPhone line up. Earlier this month, Kuo told clients that all 2018 iPhone models will feature a TrueDepth Camera and Face ID. Previously, we heard that next year's handsets will all feature an OLED panel. The goal for Apple next year is to bring some of the technology that was reserved for the iPhone X this year, into the less expensive models for next year. The analyst also sees Apple adding the TrueDepth Camera into the 2018 Apple iPad tablets.

In a research note that was read by Apple Insider, Kuo rejected the notion that Apple would lower the specs of the TrueDepth Camera next year by combining glass and plastic lenses. He believes that Apple will stick with the current technology and accuracy of the feature. In addition, Kuo says that Apple now has had enough components delivered from suppliers to cover the iPhone X and future iPhone models. The analyst also reports that Apple will have a diversified supply chain in place before the 2018 phones are assembled. That should prevent shortages from negatively impacting the launch dates for the 2018 models. For example, companies supplying Apple with glass now include Largan, Genius, Hoya, and Asia Optical

Kuo also believes that 3D sensing capabilities for Android will start to become widely available between the second half of 2018 and the first half of 2019. This means Apple has a bit of a window during which its technology can be honed to outperform the technology used by Android manufacturers.

Earlier this past week, Apple denied a report from news wire service Bloomberg that stated the company was forced to settle for components that would provide less accurate results with Face ID. Bloomberg claimed that because of problems producing the TrueDepth Camera, which is used for the facial recognition feature, Apple had to lower its standards in order to make sure that it could produce enough units to meet demand. Again, Apple has denied this report.

source: AppleInsider