Apple’s 2020 iPhones Could Come WIth Time-Of-Flight 3D Sensors

One of the ways that the current generation iPhones use to sense depth, which is used to map and measure a person’s face for its Face ID security system, is by relying on infrared technology. However, that is expected to change in the 2020 iPhones where according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the company’s 2020 lineup could come with time-of-flight (ToF) 3D sensors.

According to Kuo, he claims that these ToF 3D sensors are expected to find its way into at least two out of the three iPhones Apple plans to launch in 2020. These sensors are also expected to be placed on the back of the iPhone where it will be used in the rear-facing cameras, where it would allow for higher quality 3D image captures and also for augmented reality usages.

As to why Apple could be going with ToF sensors instead of relying on the same infrared technology used in Face ID? This is due to the fact that these sensors can be used at a greater range, which should improve their overall functionality. Take it with a grain of salt, but Kuo has had an excellent track record when it comes to predicting Apple’s future moves.

An earlier report by the analyst had also suggested that the 2020 iPhones will all come with 5G, so if you don’t have a reason to upgrade this year, maybe holding off until next year might not be such a bad idea.

Tyler Lee
Categories: Apple, Cellphones, Rumors
Tags: Augmented Reality (AR), iPhone