Periscope lenses will be used more frequently in smartphones, a trend that is promising to become prevalent to meet growing demand for upgrades to photography functions, according to sources familiar with operations at optical lens module companies.
The new iPhones that Apple is launching this year reportedly may feature periscope lenses in the flagship model to enhance telephotography, but there is also speculation that such lenses may not be adopted by iPhones until 2024, according to the sources.
Lens module makers Largan Precision and Genius Electronic Optical (GSEO) said in general actual setups will depend on clients' final designs, but periscope lenses for telephotography in smartphones is a rising trend.
The handset market outlook remains bleak in 2023, but periscope lenses could stimulate some demand.
Handsets can hardly accommodate powerful optical zoom lenses as they get thinner and thinner, but periscope lenses will see less limitations by the slimness of the phones.
Stacking more lens pieces in a module could support higher resolution and reduce distortion. The iPhone 14 Pro features a 7P lens for telephotography, but next-generation devices adopting an 8P lens design could see even bulkier cameras. Periscope lenses use multiple optical components in a folded design that raises optical zoom from 3X to 5X and even 10X, without having to increase the thickness of the module.
DIGITIMES Research pointed out the Sony Xperia 1 IV launched in the summer of 2022 was the first in the world to adopt a periscope lens.
Largan Precision chairman En-Ping Lin noted at the company's January 12 investors conference that the development of periscope lenses is "complex and challenging."
Industry sources noted that production of periscope lenses is challenging because of the complex mechanical design enabling optical zoom.
GSEO president Lee Kuo believes periscope lenses will be popular among all handset vendors in the future, particularly in their high-end and midrange devices. The development of such lenses is indeed challenging, but technological challenges mean business growth opportunities, Kuo said.
Lin said spec upgrades for flagship smartphones will come more slowly and available models will also decrease.
Article translated by Rodney Chan
