iPhone 5 production goes without firmware, with 8MP cameras
updated 12:10 pm EDT, Mon September 5, 2011
iPhone 5 production ratios, camera tech uncovered
Two simultaneous discoveries have helped outlined the since-started production of the iPhone 5. Chinese tipsters said Monday that Apple contract partners Foxconn and Pegatron were manufacturing the devices without firmware. The step seen by MacOtakara wouldn't be surprising given the OS' uncompleted state but will leave Apple with a relatively short interval between having a finished OS and when it can ship.
The manufacturing bias is reportedly 85 percent in favor of Foxconn, in line with earlier rumors. Where the iPhone 4 design has limited Pegatron to making CDMA iPhones in the current generation, however, the iPhone 5 is poised to be dual-mode and will see Pegatron simply as a complement to keep up total supply rather than being the sole manufacturer of a distinct model.
An early October release was likely, although Asia might have to wait until later in the month.
In tandem, a separate report from the Taiwan Economic News backed talk of Largan making iPhone 5 camera lenses. Both it and Genius would be supplying the parts for an eight-megapixel camera in the smartphone. Largan would be the favorite and get a "big order from Apple" because it could make considerably more, at a fifth of the world's share of lenses, the newspaper said.
An eight-megapixel has been one of the most commonly cited features both presumed and leaked coming to Apple's smartphone, both because the resolution is now very common among high-end smartphones and because of Apple's growing emphasis on camera performance.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 2001
I'd like an even better camera
I know Apple doesn't like making multiple products, but I'd like to see an "iPhone Pro" with a really nice camera. Not a simple Megapixel race one, but one with a good lens, 10x physical zoom, and really big sensor. Something that could compete with a $250 camera in picture quality and features. BTW, 8 Mg pixel is more than enough.
I'd pay an extra $200 for such a device, plus accept the fact it'll be bulkier. I'm just tired of cellphone cameras that are "good enough", but really aren't all that good.