The 3D imaging sensors anticipated for the "iPhone 8" are being produced by STMicroelectronics at a factory in France, a report said on Wednesday, cautioning that parts might not be ready by Apple's usual September launch window.
The sensors are specifically being built , near Apple's dedicated to imaging technology, according to an iGeneration source. The claim is said to align with plans by STMicroelectronics to invest $1 billion during 2017 -- double last year -- specifically for "new products and specialized technologies."
CEO Carlo Bozotti recently publicized a contract expected to generate "substantial" revenues in the second half of 2017, without naming the client involved.
If STMicroelectronics won't have sufficient parts ready for September, that would align with a Mac Otakara report claiming that an "iPhone 8" might launch well after that month, or . Prototypes are in testing, but allegedly the company hasn't settled on anything firm beyond a 5-inch display, a dual camera array and wireless charging.
Likewise, DigiTimes recently claimed that a won't enter mass production until September.
Most reports have indicated that Apple is planning to launch three new iPhones this year. Though two of them are thought to be LCD-based "iPhone 7s" models, sized at 4.7- and 5.5-inches, has been described as having an edge-to-edge, 5.8-inch OLED screen, with sensors for and/or iris scanning. Part of the display should be reserved for virtual buttons, replacing a physical home button.
All three iPhones are typically expected to get wireless charging, like some Android devices, as well as , though Apple will likely continue to use Lightning connectors.