For months, there have been reports that Apple is working on equipping the iPhone 15 Pro Max (and only the Pro Max) with a periscope lens. However, it seems that its current suppliers were not up to the task, so Cupertino had to find new partners.
According to The ElecApple will purchase OIS actuators for the periscope module from LG Innotek and Jahwa Electronics, the two companies will supply 70% and 30% of the components respectively.
Jahwa has worked with Samsung Electronics and Samsung Electro-Mechanics on actuators based on ball guides. The company will reportedly supply Samsung with components for the upcoming Galaxy S23 series as well as the Galaxy A54, which was leaked last week.
Periscope modules designed by LG Innotek
Apple’s current suppliers – Alps Alpine and Mizumi – provide spring-type actuators for the iPhone cameras. However, the trackball actuators are faster, more precise and use less power, which is why Apple is switching.
Both LG Innotek and Jahwa Electronics have made significant investments in their camera component facilities. These actuators will reportedly prove quite lucrative for the two companies.
Apple’s first periscope lens will arrive later this year with the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Fans of the smaller Pro will have to wait until next year and the iPhone 16 series to get the longer zoom. The new vanilla iPhone models look at digital zoom by switching to 48MP main cameras, finally leaving the 12MP sensors in the past.
