#LeakPeek: This is how iPhone XI's cameras may look like
What's the story
We know Apple is working with Sony to implement 3D ToF cameras on its upcoming batch of iPhones - the successor to the iPhone Xs lineup.
And now, thanks to reputed tipster Steve Hemmerstoffer, aka @OnLeaks, we know how the tech giant plans to redesign the camera hub to accommodate the new sensor.
Here's our first look at the iPhone XI (Apple's 2019 iPhone).
Twitter Post
Here's the leak from reputed tipster @OnLeaks
Back from September 2019, I bring you the very 1st and very early glimpse at which I guess #Apple will unveil as #iPhoneXI!!! Yes, time has already come to meet the new #iPhone through gorgeous 5K renders made on behalf of new coming Partner @digitindia - https://t.co/b6SxFUS2tx pic.twitter.com/97jrlTHQ5G
— Steve H.McFly (@OnLeaks) January 6, 2019
New design
Apple XI to get Huawei-inspired triple rear-camera module
To integrate the 3D sensor, Apple could have chosen to elongate the vertical camera hub seen on the latest iPhones. However, the Cupertino giant is toying with a radical design.
As per the renders, the iPhone XI will come with a square-ish triple camera hub - similar to Huawei Mate 20 range - but positioned rather oddly on the top-left corner.
Asymmetrical
But Apple's triple camera setup looks ugly
While the Huawei camera setup is attractively symmetric, the same can't be said for iPhone XI's bumpy, wacky camera design.
Of the three lenses, the middle one is positioned out of line with the other two and the LED flash is oddly placed with respect to the sensors.
Moreover, a microphone is huddled in the bottom-right corner, slightly off-center with the left sensor.
Twitter Post
Another reputed tipster validates the odd camera design
An unfortunate news, you see the iPhone 2019 renderings, is correct. pic.twitter.com/GFH9pLnUr0
— Ice universe (@UniverseIce) January 6, 2019
The positives
Looking beyond the design
Looking at the current iPhones, we expect the triple camera setup to comprise a main RGB sensor, a telephoto sensor, and the new Sony-made 3D ToF sensor.
Hence, with the new sensor, Apple can leverage the accurate 3D data to improve image processing and offer high-quality Portrait photography.
Moreover, the 3D sensor will also open new possibilities in terms of AR and VR content/gaming.
Notch or hole?
Whatever is on the front, remains under the covers
We currently don't know if the tech giant will stick with the wide notch or adopt the in-trend camera hole design, or if it will implement the in-display fingerprint scanner to match rivals.
However, we do know Apple's 2019 iPhone will offer an unattractive yet powerful triple rear camera.
And whatever is on the front, remains under the covers until the next major leak.