According to Korean media etnews, industry insiders revealed on Tuesday that Apple recently visited a number of Korean camera component suppliers and discussed the supply of TOF modules. A person familiar with the matter said that Apple has sent a request for quotation (RFI) to a South Korean supplier for the TOF module.

TOF technology is mainly born to realize 3D imaging. Especially under the 5G wave, the application scenarios of TOF technology are broader. It is reported that after applying the TOF module on the iPad for the first time this year, Apple also plans to use the TOF module on the new iPhone released this fall to implement augmented reality (AR) functions.

According to industry sources, Apple plans to install TOF modules and triple cameras on the highest-end new iPhones released in the second half of the year. LG Innotek will become the only TOF module supplier for the new iPhone.

As for the reason for looking for other TOF suppliers, it may be that Apple is considering increasing the supply of TOF modules after this year, or it may be due to insufficient supply or low output of TOF modules.

South Korean media pointed out that in the Sino-US trade conflict, Apple is trying to stabilize the parts supply chain of its products, and it seems that there are more and more agreements with South Korean companies. Last month, the US Department of Commerce announced that it would include 11 Chinese companies in the entity list, including OFILM, which manufactures camera modules, and LG Innotek may benefit from it. In addition, Samsung Electromechanical also started to provide lens lenses to Apple for the first time.