Sony could supply front-facing camera modules for Apple's next-gen iPhones

According to Asia-focused website Nikkei, Japan’s Sony is now in talks with Apple to supply camera components for a new iPhone that might be introduced “as early as next year (2015).”

Sony, which competes with Apple in the smartphone and tablet markets, is already supplying camera components for some iPhone models, including the current 5S flagship - which uses a Sony-made CMOS sensor for its rear camera. Nikkei notes that Apple likely receives more than 100 million CMOS sensors from Sony in a single year. If sales of upcoming iPhones go well, the number might grow to 200 million a year, the publication adds.

Nikkei mentions that Apple is “also likely” to choose Sony as supplier of front-facing camera components for upcoming devices. Both the iPhone 5S and 5C feature 1.2MP front-facing sensors, so Apple might want to significantly improve its FaceTime camera offering with the next-gen smartphone models.

Of course, before we see what Apple has for us in 2015, the Cupertino company should introduce two new iPhones in the second half of this year. It's said that both new handsets would sport large displays, of at least 4.5 inches and 5 inches, respectively. They could be released under the iPhone 6 moniker - unless Apple decides to take a new approach on naming its phones (but we doubt this will happen).

source: Nikkei