According to a Bloomberg report, which claims to come from internal Apple sources involved with its plans, the 2020 iPhone will feature two key pieces of technology that would change the game in its favor. First, a 3D camera capable of scanning the environment up to 4.5 meters away would be introduced, and secondly, a third camera equipped with improved photo capture tools and a more powerful chipset.

Apple plans an iPhone with 3D cameras: The iPhone 2020 will have 3D cameras according to internal sources

Citing Apple employees familiar with the plans, Bloomberg says Apple will introduce a 3D camera capable of scanning the environment and creating 3D reproductions of the real world. This camera will work up to a range of 4.5 meters in front of the device , which contrasts with the 50 centimeters top in which Apple’s facial recognition technology operates.

Also, Apple’s new system will employ a laser scanner instead of current dot projection technology, which doesn’t work very well over long distances.

The purpose of said 3D camera is to create scanned 3D environments for virtual and augmented reality applications , allowing a more precise perception and placement of virtual objects. The camera could also help the iPhone 2020 to take photos with a better sense of depth.

If this technology sounds familiar, it is because Sony is working on a 3D camera prototype with these characteristics, and according to the report, Apple has been in talks with Sony to test sensors for the new system .

Plans for iPhone 2019

Second, Apple’s plans for 2019 are discussed. Going into detail, the successor to the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max could feature a triple camera on the rear , which would help the device capture a field of view and wider zoom. It will also capture more pixels so that Apple software can, for example, automatically repair a video or photo.

Apple would also be testing a version of this year’s iPhone with a USB Type-C port instead of the Lightning port that has been in use since 2012, indicating that Apple has plans to switch to USB Type-C in the future. Other features of the device would include an improved processor and the use of an updated facial sensor, which would allow for electronic payments.

Lastly, it is mentioned that the 3D laser camera would first debut in an improved version of the iPad Pro planned to go on sale during the spring of 2020 .