While we’re always hoping for a nice surprise, Apple is generally conservative with it comes to spec updates for the iPhone.
That’s why it’s a pretty big deal when a supply chain source seemingly confirms that the iPhone 6S will feature a 12-megapixel camera.
A new report from Business Insider suggests Apple is eyeing a sensor that can capture higher-resolution images than existing iPhone handsets.
In comparison, both the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus use an 8-megapixel sensor.
The claimed source has tipped the iPhone 6S to feature a five-element lens that is designed to work with 12-megapixel camera sensors.
The report suggests the components are already in the mass production stage and are “on schedule” for the rumoured September launch.
What’s more, the source also says Apple is ordering six-element lenses for a future iPhone – “presumably the iPhone 7”, reads the report.
That’s on par with rival handsets such as the OnePlus 2 and even last year’s Samsung Galaxy S5, both of which use six-element lenses.
Having more lens elements allows a camera to capture more light, which means you end up with sharper and clearer photographs.
It also means that the camera will perform better in low-light environments.
This isn’t the first time we’ve heard rumours that a 12-megapixel camera is set to feature on the iPhone 6S.
Back in May, generally reliable KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claimed the camera upgrade was in the works.
That same month, IHS Technology Research Director Kevin Wang also suggested the iPhone 6S will feature a higher-resolution image sensor.
It’s worth noting that a higher megapixel count doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting better photographs, just more detailed shots.
Related: iPhone 6S vs iPhone 6: What can you expect?
Apple is expected to unveil two new smartphones – the iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus – at a dedicated event on September 9.
The handset is tipped to become available for pre-orders on September 11, with a final on-sale date reportedly set for September 18.
There’s also been talk of an iPhone 6C, but rumours regarding the release date are conflicting, so we’d take such reports with a pinch of salt for now.
Do you think Apple should finally boost the number of megapixels that its iPhone cameras offer? Let us know in the comments.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.