Sony confirm 8MP camera in iPhone 5

Sony CEO Howard Stringer has let it slip that they are preparing to supply Apple with a powerful 8 megapixel camera which is likely to be used in the iPhone 5.

Stringer told the Wall Street Journal how Japan's terrible earthquake and tsunami has affected 15 Sony factories. One of these is were Sony make the camera sensors. The slowdown would hit Apple he said, although he never highlighted which product Apple was using them in. He said ‘It always puzzles me. Why would I make Apple the best camera?”. We would assume the money.

These comments from Stringer reinforce earlier claims that Apples primary provider of these parts was running into trouble which could lead to Sony getting the account. Semiconductor firm Omnivision has generally been in the hot seat for Apple's products. The company has provided Apple with the cameras in the iPhone 3GS and the iPads. In February they claimed their newest 8MP camera would be ready for volume shipment later in the year, but experts at the time disputed the claim. FBR for instance said that ‘field checks' into the claims indicated that the part would not be ready when Apple would be shipping the iPhone 5 which they expect in July this year. Analyst Craig Gerra from FBR said that Sony would win the slot in the iPhone 5. It appears he was right all along.

While Sony looks to be getting Apple business this year, Gleacher & CO's Doug Freedman said he doesn't believe that Apple will give all of the production to Sony, who are as yet unproven to be able to supply the massive demand that Apple will need. They are also still classed as a competitor to the company.

KitGuru says: Sony building cameras for Apple. Whats next?

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