When Apple's 10<sup>th anniversary iPhone X launched, it included one of the most modern pieces of technology with its TrueDepth front-facing camera, allowing a host of new features including the Face ID. However, according to one of the brand's top insiders, the feature may not make it to the rear cameras of next year's iPhone release.
Ming-Chi Kuo, a KGI Securities analyst and one of the most accurate sources of Apple inside information, predicted that the 3D sensing capabilities of the iPhone X's front camera will not be included in the rear-mounted cameras of the 2018 iPhone. According to the analyst, the TrueDepth technology is so advanced that Apple's main concern would be to securing the resources for its components and ensuring an adequate supply.
The TrueDepth camera is reportedly causing production bottlenecks that are proving to be a challenge in meeting demands for the iPhone X. This is the main reason why, although unveiled together during Apple's September product showcase, the iPhone X went on sale weeks after the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus did. It is also expected that the production of the iPhone X continue to be constrained until early 2018.
Apple is expected to get a better handle on the TrueDepth camera production next year. However, Kuo believes that the company will not make the same mistake of disrupting its supply chain.
For Kuo, Apple needs to solve two big issues before being able to get a TrueDepth camera on the rear of the next iPhone. The first is the quick development of the augmented reality software ecosystem, which will be taken advantage of by a rear TrueDepth camera. Secondly, the company will have to figure out a way to achieve stable shipments of new phones, a problem that has risen from the increased resources production requirements of the advanced camera technology.
