A weaker-than-expected second quarter this year and suppliers not being able to profit on periscope camera lenses are two challenges the supplier of Apple’s camera lens is said to be facing.
On Twitter, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said, “Apple camera lens suppliers face two risks: high inventory levels resulting to a weaker-than-expected 2Q23 and suppliers being unable to profit on periscope camera lenses.”
Rumours regarding the iPhone getting a periscope camera lens have been going around since early 2020 when Ming-Chi Kuo first brought up the prospect.
The iPhone 14 Pro did not come with a periscope lens, contrary to the analyst’s initial prediction. Since then, Ming-Chi Kuo has said that the lens type will only be offered with the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
According to Kuo, the component/lens inventory risk for the iPhone 14 Pro/Pro Max is now materialising.
He added that the iPhone 15 Pro Max periscope camera is anticipated to only use lenses from Taiwanese company Largan, the largest producer of smartphone camera lenses in the world.
Also, Ming-Chi Kuo said the price of iPhone 16 periscope lenses would drop even more after Apple supplier Genius started making them. This would hurt lens makers.