Apple will put an improved 8-megapixel rear camera sensor on the fifth-generation iPad and the second-generation iPad mini, if KGI Securities' analyst Ming-Chi Kuo's prediction is to be believed.
The analyst's predictions have been pretty accurate in the past. Kuo mentions that the new camera module will feature a larger aperture, similar to the one found on the recently launched iPhone 5s. He has also indicated that the ASP (Average Selling Price) of the camera lens module will increase by 10 to 20 percent due to this change.
In a note (via
MacRumors) the firm said, "We predict Apple (US) will launch new iPad 5 and iPad mini 2 (so called retina iPad mini) in 4Q13. As the tablet market becomes increasingly competitive, Apple could upgrade the camera as a selling point for the new iPad in a bid to increase competitiveness. We expect the upgrade will include 8MP rear camera, up from 5MP, and larger aperture. Lens module ASP will rise 10-20 percent on this optics spec upgrade."
Apple has not focused much on the rear cameras of its iPad tablets, at least not when compared to its focus on the iPhone's camera. The current-generation iPad and iPad mini both sport a 5-megapixel camera without an LED flash.
It's not clear if the other components of the next-generation iPad and iPad mini's camera modules will also be upgraded to make them on par with the iPhone 5s camera. The iPhone 5s camera includes a True Tone Flash that feature a white LED and an amber LED which work with software algorithms to adjust flash intensity and colour temperature. It also offers a Slo-Mo mode to shoot slow motion video at 120 frames per second at 720p.
Kuo also mentions that the Retina display equipped iPad mini will launch in the fourth quarter of 2013. Interestingly, a new report indicates that
Apple will be unable to widely roll out a new version of the iPad mini with a high-resolution "Retina" display in October, citing people who work in the company's supply chain as a source. These people added that Apple's supply chain is only now gearing up to make Retina displays for the iPad mini, which means the tablets could be available in only limited quantities this year, if at all.
Apple is expected to unveil the new iPad tablets at an event in October, however, there's no official word from the company on the same.