2018 iPhones: Apple Focusing On Lowering Costs, Not Rear TrueDepth Camera

KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously predicted Apple would expand its TrueDepth system used for the Face ID on the back of 2018 iPhones. However, Kuo now says that won’t happen, according to a note seen by MacRumors.

The TrueDepth camera on the iPhone X supports the new Face ID feature, which is used to unlock the device, use Apple Pay and with third-party apps, as well as the Animoji feature. The system includes an infrared camera that detects the user’s face even in the dark.

Kuo said the iPhone X’s 3D sensing technology is already at least one year ahead of Android competitors, which means Apple will focus on making sure adequate supply is released on time instead.

Kuo said in the note:
“Based on aforementioned assumptions, we do not expect 2H18F iPhones to come with rear TrueDepth Camera/3D sensing, contrary to market expectations. While we agree that a rear TrueDepth Camera/3D sensing can potentially provide more augmented reality (AR) applications, we note that Apple needs to quickly resolve two issues if it wants 2H18F iPhones to have a rear TrueDepth Camera/3D sensing, namely: (1) the development of AI and ARKit software and an ecosystem, which takes time; and (2) achieving stable shipments and on-time shipping, which are challenging due to the higher spec requirements of rear TrueDepth camera.”

While users might not see the TrueDepth on the rear of 2018 iPhones, Kuo still predicts the devices will come with other advancements that will entice consumers.

Kuo also says Apple will focus on decreasing costs, according to AppleInsider.

A report earlier this month said the company has been developing future iPhones that will include many or all iPhone X features -- and for lower prices. Apple’s supply chain were reportedly looking into cutting the cost of the upcoming iPhones, codenamed “Lisbon” and “Hangzhou.” Macotakara, a Japanese site, predicts a $90 decrease with the new 2018 models, which is the usual price deduction with year-over-year upgrades.

iPhone X Release Date This Week, Features, Price

This week, Apple will release the $999 64GB iPhone X model and the $1,149 256GB version, the most expensive iPhone yet. The 10th anniversary iPhone was revealed alongside the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus in September. Apple and major U.S. carriers and retailers began taking pre-orders for the iPhone X last Friday.

The iPhone X has some more innovative features than the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus, like the Face ID, Animoji and an edge-to-edge Super Retina display with OLED technology without the Touch ID button. The iPhone X, which is available in Space Gray and Silver, includes a vertical dual-camera system and Portrait Lighting, a new feature that brings studio lighting effects.

Like the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus, the iPhone X supports wireless charging capabilities when using separately-sold charging pads, and features a glass front and back with a 50 percent stronger strengthening layer. All three devices support augmented reality with iOS 11, which launched last month.