iPhone could get third rear camera lens in 2019

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iPhone X
Three is better than two, right?
Photo: Ste Smith

Apple plans to increase the number of rear cameras on the iPhone next year, according to the latest rumor out of Asia.

2018 iPhone rumors are just starting to kick into full swing, but a Tawainese newspaper claims to have some inside info on some upgrades that are coming to next year’s model.

The 2018 iPhones are expected to pack the same dual-lens array found on the iPhone X with the same bezel-free screen too. Next year though, Apple supposedly plans to increase picture quality by adding a third camera sensor.

The 2019 iPhone

Taiwan’s Economic Daily News claims the triple-lens camera will come in 2019 as a way for Apple to remain competitive against its Android rivals. Huawei’s new flagship smartphone, the P20, has three camera sensors on the back allowing it to take up to 40MP photos.

Details on the third sensors are scarce. EDN only says it is “expected to have 12 million pixel 6P anti-shock specifications, and can achieve 5 times zoom effect.” It’s unclear if that means digital zoom or optical zoom. The optical zoom on the iPhone X only hits 2x, while the digital zoom is 10x.

Adding another camera sensor could open the device up to more augmented reality features too. The device isn’t expected to be announced until Fall 2019 though, so the rumors are likely to change drastically between now and then.

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