Apple to Open Imaging Research Lab in France

French newspaper Le Dauphiné Libéré reports that Apple will open a research laboratory in Grenoble, France. The lab will focus on developing imaging sensors for the iPhone and iPad, sources informed the French newspaper, as spotted by iPhone.fr (via iDownloadBlog).

Iphone 6 camera

This seems a logical expansion of Apple’s R&D efforts in the area, since about twenty people have been quietly working on imaging and sensor technology at the Minatec European research centre for at least a year. Now, Apple has signed to lease a facility in Grenoble to establish its own research lab.

The 800-square-foot facility located on Rue Ampere, will be able to host about 30 engineers. According to the French newspaper’s sources, Apple will supply the engineers with special equipment, all focusing on iPhone and iPad image sensor development.

The work will be done in tandem with engineers from Apple supplier STMicroelectronics. The newspaper speculates that the partnership is important because it could help reduce the production of certain components of the iPhone and iPad in France.

Apple focuses on enhancing image quality in every device it releases, and, fact is, the iPhone is one of the most popular point-and-shoot cameras in the world.

The French research lab joins the line of R&D facilities Apple leases across the globe working in tandem with its suppliers’ engineers, such as the one opened in Taiwan focusing on new display technologies, which suggests better integration of the technologies provided by the key manufacturers in its supply chain.

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