Sony is reportedly ramping up production on its next-generation 3D sensors due to interest from phone manufacturers, including Apple.
Bloomberg reports that the iPhone 11 could feature Sony’s revolutionary camera chip, which would power front-and-rear-facing 3D cameras.
Satoshi Yoshihara, head of Sony’s sensor division, revealed the increased demand last week but refused to provide specifics.
The news comes as Apple’s shock profit warning sent European shares sliding, with an overall economic slowdown in China sending shockwaves through the whole market.
It’s hoped that Sony’s 3D camera technology could convince users to upgrade their devices. The relatively minor changes offered over the past five years have generally dissuaded consumers from doing so.
“Cameras revolutionized phones, and based on what I’ve seen, I have the same expectation for 3D,” said Yoshihara. “The pace will vary by field, but we’re definitely going to see adoption of 3D. I’m certain of it."
The camera can detect real world objects and create a 3D model using lasers that stretch to 5 metres.
The Bloomberg article states the case for the technology, saying: "Sony showed several examples using a custom phone with a 3D camera on its rear. In one app, users made specific hand gestures to cast magic spells inside a virtual game. In another, the phone calculated the depth of the room and accurately displayed a virtual goldfish swimming in front of and behind real-life objects."
Sony already supplies smartphone producers like Apple, Samsung and Huawei with camera chips, but Yoshihara declined to discuss potential buyers.
Nick Pope is the Site Director of Esquire, overseeing digital strategy for the brand.
