2018 iPhone Release Date, Specs Rumors: Rear Cameras Will Not Have TrueDepth System
Apple decided to introduce groundbreaking features for the 10th anniversary of the iPhone. However, according to the latest reports, the Cupertino-based tech giant may tread a more conservative route for the 2018 version of its flagship phone.
Along with the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus, Apple introduced the iPhone X during its annual press event last September. Given that it was the 10th-anniversary iPhone, a lot of attention and hype was focused on the latter device, especially with its all-glass bezel-less design.
The iPhone X also features a TrueDepth front-facing camera system which allows for facial recognition via Face ID and Animoji, which are animated emojis.
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Tech experts have naturally assumed that Apple would build upon these features and speculated that these functionalities could be expanded to the rear-facing cameras in the future. However, according to reliable Apple insider Ming-Chi Kuo, this will not be happening.
In a new research note obtained by MacRumors, the KGI Securities analyst revealed that Apple will be focusing more on producing adequate supply and having stable shipments for the 2018 iPhone rather than expanding the TrueDepth camera system.
Kuo added that since the iPhone X's 3D sensors are at least one year ahead of what Samsung devices currently offer, Apple will maintain the technology and focus instead on expanding its roster of augmented reality (AR) applications.
This could be a smart move on the part of Apple as most consumers are not expected to get their hands on an iPhone X, which went on sale on Nov. 3. There is not enough stock to meet the strong demand for the device.
In a recent interview with CNBC, Apple CEO Tim Cook revealed that he isn't sure when supply would catch up to the demand for the iPhone X.
"There's nothing to compare it to is the real answer to that, because it has no predecessor product. It's not replacing something that existed," he said.
Though Apple has not been able to produce more iPhone X stock, Cook defended their decision to launch the device alongside the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus. He said that they did this so that customers wouldn't feel gypped in buying an iPhone 8 when another device — the iPhone X — would be coming along soon enough.
Apple already has an established schedule for unveiling the company's newest iPhones. As such, the next-generation flagship smartphone is expected to be announced in September 2018.
