Apple who is struggling to hold onto their credibility after consumers rejected their high-priced iPhones is now planning bring back 3D technology in an effort to stimulate interest in their smartphone offering, this is despite 3D being a total disaster for the TV industry.
According to Bloomberg Apple is looking to launch iPhones with a 3-D camera stepping up the company’s push into augmented reality. Research shows that consumers who did not take to 3D TV’s have also not taken to augmented reality technology.
The rear-facing, longer-range 3-D camera is designed to scan the environment and then on the fly create three-dimensional reconstructions of the images being photographed.
One competitor has already labelled the move a “gimmick”.
Apple sources have said that the new technology will work up to about 4.5 metres from the device.
Apples current iPhone 3-D camera system which is used as part of their Face ID technology operates at distances of 25 to 50 centimetres.
The greater distance is set to be achieved with the use of a laser scanner, rather than the existing dot-projection technology which doesn’t work as well over longer distances.
To achieve this Apple is going to have to introduce a more powerful processor for their iPhones claim observers.
According to Bloomberg the laser-powered 3-D camera would enhance augmented reality on the iPhone, allowing for more accurate depth perception and placement of virtual objects. It could also help the handset take photos that can better capture depth, the people said. Apple has been in talks with Sony about testing sensors for the new system.
The new iPhone which is tipped for 2020 iPhone camera may be a prelude to an AR headset that Apple has been preparing for as early as 2020.
An Apple spokeswoman declined to comment on the company’s plans, which could change.
As for 2019, Apple is planning a successors to the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max — code-named D42 and D43 — and an update to the iPhone XR.
It’s also tipped that Apple will slash the price of their 2019 offering after a backlash from consumers that resulted in a double-digit dip in sales in the last quarter.
The iPhone still generates over 60% of Apples revenue.
The slump in iPhone sales triggered a stock slump that wiped more than $300 billion off the company’s market value since October. New models with more-capable cameras could spur upgrades and reignite Apple’s growth, making these upcoming iPhones the most critical in years.
ChannelNews understands that Apple is also looking to release an updated version of its lower-cost iPad with a 10-inch screen and a faster processor as early as the second quarter 2019.
Apple’s next operating system update, iOS 13, will include a dark mode option for easier night-time viewing and improvements to CarPlay, the company’s in-vehicle software. There will also be iPad-specific upgrades like a new home screen, the ability to tab through multiple versions of a single app like pages in a web browser, and improvements to file management. The company will also integrate two new services, including a magazine subscription service and its original video content efforts, via iOS updates this year.
Apple, 3D, Smartphones, Face Unlock, FaceID, 2d
