Apple Is Said to Prep New 3-D Camera for 2020 iPhones in AR Push

Apple plans to launch iPhones with a more-powerful 3-D camera as soon as next year, according to Bloomberg, citing people familiar with the plans.

The rear-facing, longer-range 3-D camera is designed to scan the environment to create three-dimensional reconstructions of the real world. It will work up to about 15 feet from the device, the people said. That’s in contrast with the current iPhone 3-D camera system, which points toward users and operates at distances of 25 to 50 centimeters to power Apple’s Face ID facial-recognition feature.

Apple’s new system will use a laser scanner, rather than the existing dot-projection technology which doesn’t work as well over longer distances, according to the people, who asked not to be identified. That’s just one of many new features, including a third, more advanced camera, enhanced photo-capture tools and a more powerful chip, that Apple plans to include in coming generations of iPhones, the people said.

The laser-powered 3-D camera would enhance augmented reality on the iPhone, allowing for more accurate depth perception and placement of virtual objects. It could also help the handset take photos that can better capture depth, the people said. Apple has been in talks with Sony about testing sensors for the new system.

The 2020 iPhone camera may be a prelude to an AR headset that Apple has been preparing for as early as 2020. An Apple spokeswoman declined to comment on the company’s plans, which could change. Apple previously aimed to put the new 3-D camera system on the back of this year’s high-end iPhones, but delayed that, the people also said. Still, the technology giant is doubling down on camera capabilities for its handsets.

For 2019, Apple plans successors to the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max, code-named D42 and D43, and an update to the iPhone XR, said the people. The larger of the new high-end iPhones will have three cameras on the back, and other handsets could eventually come with the upgraded system, too, the people said.