Sony become iPhone FaceTime camera supplier and iPad Air battery supplier

Last week Sony announced plans to unload its computer business and spin off TV segment – is gearing up to kick off production of front-facing cameras for next-generation iPhones in 2015, if a report from Japanese business site Nikkei is an indication.

Sony has been making iSight back cameras since the iPhone 4s, with current estimates in the ballpark of a hundred million CMOS sensors a year. It also makes cameras for Samsung and Huawei smartphones.

Therefore, landing that contract would mark a major win for both parties and a huge loss for OmniVision, which currently supplies CMOS sensors for the iPhone’s rather unimpressive front-facing camera.

The report goes on to say that Apple is looking to switch to Sony sensors for the secondary camera on the screen side, with Sony likely doubling manufacturing output of its CMOS sensors should the release of 2015 iPhones go well.

In fact, an agreement with Apple is said to have prompted Sony to step up production to keep up with the increase in orders and buy a brand new plant in January. Sony reportedly plans to invest 35 billion yen, or about $340 million, in the facility to increase its monthly output by as much as 25 percent.

Most of Apple’s innovation in the camera department has dealt with the back-facing camera, with the front-facing module receiving only minor technological improvements. Despite the enhancements, the iPhone’s FaceTime camera has fallen behind the curve. And Sony has started providing batteries for Apple’s iPad Air tablet. In December 2013, it scuttled plans to unload its laptop battery business, instead choosing to shift toward products for mobile devices.

As you know, the current-generation iPhone 5s has a 720p FaceTime camera out the front. By comparison, some high-end Android devices are outfitted with 1080p front-facing cameras. Sony’s CMOS sensors are world-class so the deal should enable Apple to catch up with competition in terms of full HD 1080p video calling.