iPhone 12 Camera Lens Supplier Experiencing Quality Issues: Kuo

An Apple analyst has claimed that one of the camera lens suppliers for the upcoming iPhone 12 models is facing quality issues.

According to Ming-Chi Kuo of TF Securities, all four iPhone 12 models will be using 7P lenses (7 element assembly) for their ultra wide-angle cameras. The issue lies with the lenses for the two non-Pro iPhones as their coating is prone to cracking during the high temperature, high humidity test.

This problem affects components coming from Genius Electronic Optical, but Apple has a second supplier — Largan — whose lenses pass the test. Kuo and his team believe that Apple will be buying more units from Largan at the expense of Genius, at least in the run-up to the launch.

“We estimate that the low-end 7P wide-angle lens, CCM, and final assembly mass production of the 5.4-inch and 6.1-inch aluminum frame iPhone will be in mid-to-late August, mid-to-late September, and early October, respectively,” writes Kuo. “We believe that in the uncertain timetable for [Genius] to solve the quality problem of film cracking, Apple will give priority to purchasing Largan’s low-end 1/2.6” 7P wide-angle lens at least in the initial supply stage to ensure that the two aluminum-framed ‌iPhone 12‌ can be as scheduled.”

Additionally, Genius will probably have to slash its prices down by about 30 percent, notes MacRumors, incentivizing the company to get it shares back that it will likely lose to Largan.

Kuo says that final assembly mass production of the 5.4 and 6.1-inch iPhones will not take place until early October, which could point to a release date a bit later in the year than we’ve come to expect from an iPhone.