Sony Hints 8-Megapixel Camera for IPhone 5

Sony's CEO dropped a big iPhone 5 hint last Friday, indicating the electronics company may be making a 8-megapixel camera for the iPhone 5 -- if it can overcome production delays caused by the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

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The Tokyo-based company's chief executive, Howard Stringer, said that Sony may face delays in getting its image sensors from its damaged facility in Sendi, Japan, to customers such as Apple, because of damage from the recent tsunami and earthquake.
The remark set off speculation that, since Sony doesn't currently make image sensors for Apple products, its new 8-megapixel camera might be coming to the iPhone 5.
The speculation dovetails with recent rumors that Cupertino, Calif.-based Apple was looking to switch from its longstanding sensor supplier OmniVision, who provides the current 5-megapixel camera for its iPhone 4. Stringer's remarks add credence to that notion.
But a higher-resolution Sony camera for the iPhone 5 could portend possible iPhone 5 delays. If Sony's Exmor R camera sensors, currently used in the Sony Ericsson Xperia, are indeed to be part of the iPhone 5, then any delay with these camera components will delay the launch of the phone itself, especially as the quake's fallout begins to be felt in a components shortage for the tech industry overall.
There is other evidence of iPhone 5 delays. In the past, Apple, who keeps its release dates close to the vest, has debuted its new smartphones at its developer conference in June. But because this year's developers' meeting is focusing on software, many believe the company will wait until fall, which would give it time to find other parts suppliers. But, if Sony is to supply the camera sensors for the latest generation iPhone, then the date may be pushed back further.
Stringer's comments also illustrate how production schedules are vulnerable to the disruptions in the supply chain caused by the catastrophe in Japan. Even with preferential treatment secured in its dealer agreements, Apple cannot circumvent a significant parts shortage resulting from plant disruptions -- it can't pay extra for parts that aren't even there.
With the iPhone 5 scheduled to roll out, parts delays and shortages may affect the handset during a crucial year, especially since historically, Apple's production has been the biggest factor in sales.
And speed is crucial in the smartphone market, with Apple's competitors expecting to roll out new smartphones, such as HP's efforts on its WebOS platform, Windows Phone 7 on Nokia handsets, a revitalized BlackBerry by Research in Motion and a slate of Android devices from a variety of handset makers always coming to market.
There is always the possibility that the Sony cameras could be for another Apple offering, such as the iPod nano, but most experts see more connections to the upcoming iPhone 5.
Both Apple and Sony have declined to comment on the matter.