Apple to get new camera supplier for MacBook and future iPhones

Apple has picked up China’s popular optical lens supplier to buy a new CMOS camera module (CCM) for the next-generation MacBook and probably future iPhones.

Supply chain analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo said Sunny Optical will start CCM supplies for M5 series MacBooks. The modules are planned for mass production and shipment in Vietnam in 2025. The supplier can also win a deal for future iPhones and iPads but that depends on MacBook CCM sales.

Still, the new deal will benefit the company including double revenue and vertical integration for profit growth.

Sunny Opticals produces its mobile phone lenses, automotive lenses, high-pixel lens lights, camera modules, and other products. It largely relies on Chinese smartphone companies including Huawei, Vivo, and others.

Image Credit: Apple

Apple procures around $15 billion worth of CCM each year and if Sunny Opticals could impress the iPhone maker, it can open a new revenue stream. That will directly connect to its ability to supply both CCM and lenses.

In June 2024, Sunny Opticals supplied 109 million units with 20 percent year-over-year growth. These numbers are led by robust smartphone demand as the market recovers from 2023. However, Its smartphone camera module shipment dropped by 20.2 percent to 41.62 million compared to last year.

Sunny Opticals also lost Apple’s order to rival companies, which has harmed its sales and revenue.

Kuo expects that the second half will bring better fortune for the Chinese firm as the iPhone will increase shares of its optical solutions. This may be related to its development and quality improvement in new products.

Currently, the details of the CCM models for new MacBooks has not been revealed in public or the business deal.

(source)