Apple iPhone 6 Camera May Use Sony Exmor IMX220 Sensor

Rumors about Apple Inc.’s (NASDAQ:AAPL) next-generation iPhone 6 continue to swirl online as its expected release date nears.

While a great deal of attention has been paid to the iPhone 6’s exterior parts, such as its purported sapphire 4.7-inch screen cover, very little has been confirmed about its internal specifications. However, new claims by technology blog G for Games on Thursday suggest Apple may use a Sony Corp. (NYSE:SNE) camera sensor in its upcoming iPhone 6.

According to rumors that originated on technology forum Digi-Wo, the iPhone 6 is expected to use the Sony Exmor IMX220 camera sensor, which sports a 13MP 1/2.3-inch sensor capable of recording 1080p video.

Older iPhone models such as the iPhone 4S, 5 and 5S use a similar Sony sensor, the Exmor IMX145.

Interestingly, online wholesale marketplace Alibaba currently offers the Sony Exmor IMX220 camera sensor at $27 per unit.

While this rumor remains unconfirmed, MacRumors notes that Digi-Wo forum members have delivered accurate information in the past about Sony products before their release date, including leaked photos of the Xperia Z3.

Previous rumors also suggested Apple may implement optical image stabilization in its iPhone 6 to improve the camera's picture quality. However, this feature may be limited to the rumored 5.5-inch model.

Exact release dates have yet to be announced for the iPhone 6. However, the latest rumors suggest Apple expects to unveil the iPhone 6 sometime in September at a media event.

The highly rumored iPhone 6 is expected to sport the successor to the A7 processor, the 2.8 GHz A8, along with 2GB of RAM. The iPhone 6 is also expected to run iOS 8, which is currently in beta testing.

According to several analysts, including KGI Securities’ Ming Chi-Kuo, the iPhone 6 will be released in 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch sizes. However, recent reports indicate that the 5.5-inch model may be delayed until early 2015.