It is reported that the iPhone 17 series, which will be launched in 2025, will have a significant upgrade to the front camera and lens. A well-known analyst predicts that the new phone will add a 24-megapixel sensor and a 6P lens, bringing major image quality improvements. However, both are said to also eat into Apple's profits, as component costs are said to soar in 2025.
The existing product series, including iPhone15 models, are equipped with 12-megapixel front sensors and 5P lenses. One of Apple's suppliers, Genius, will be responsible for providing these upgraded cameras.
Genius as an exclusive partner will provide Apple with a significant portion of its revenue in 2025, not only because Apple is the only company providing shipments for this particular part, but also because this camera and lens pairing is very expensive. Ming-Chi Kuo pointed out that the 24-megapixel front camera and 6P lens will improve image quality, but at the cost of a significant increase in cost. It is said that the 6P lens of iPhone17 is 100% to 120% more expensive than the 5P lens, which means that Apple must find another way to maintain profit margins, and its supplier Genius will make a lot of money.
It is rumored that Genius’s total revenue in the second half of 2025 is expected to reach NT$3 billion, which is approximately US$107 million. Speaking of cameras, analyst Jeff Pu said earlier that the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will be equipped with a 48-megapixel main camera, and one of their goals is to interact seamlessly with Apple Vision Pro. It is also reported that Apple is developing a four-prism telephoto camera with 10x optical zoom, but it is unclear whether this technology will appear on the 2025 model.
"6P" refers to the number of lens elements that allow more light in, and a 24-megapixel front-facing camera will increase the resolution of a single captured image compared to a 12-megapixel one.