2019 iPhone will have third camera for AR, says analyst

The rumored third camera could be there to lend a stereoscopic helping hand.

Lori Grunin Senior Editor / Advice

I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handed out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware, but previously spent many years concentrating on cameras. I've also volunteered with a cat rescue for over 15 years doing adoptions, designing marketing materials, managing volunteers and, of course, photographing cats.

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Lori Grunin

May 29, 2018 8:22 a.m. PT

triple-lens-iphone-camera-concept-idrop-news-martin-hajek-featured-image — Apple is planning to release three new iPhones in 2018, including one with three rear cameras, according to rumors.
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A 2019 iPhone has been rumored to have three cameras. Now an analyst report speculates that one of the cameras will have a telephoto lens, while the other two will work together to perform depth mapping for AR (the same way 3D cameras do) rather than a dedicated 3D-sensing module.

That's according to Lu Jialin, a Deutsche Securities analyst, as quoted in China's Economic Daily (using Google Translate) on Monday.

The rumor follows on the word that next year's iPhones might all have OLED screens. Add that to the pile of whispers about upcoming iPhones, though we probably have to see the 2018 models before we see this one.

Apple didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.