Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts a shakeup in Apple's supplier chain for future M5 MacBook models expected in late 2025.
Sunny Optical, a Vietnamese company, is expected to become the new provider of compact camera modules (CCMs) for these upcoming MacBooks.
Shifting Gears: Sunny Optical Steps In
Commissioning Sunny Optical marks a strategic shift for Apple. Previously, LG InnoTek and Sharp held the reins as primary CCM suppliers for MacBooks. However, the lens maker offers a distinct advantage: vertical integration, per 9to5Mac.
Unlike its competitors, Sunny Optical can provide both CCMs and lenses as a complete, compact imaging system. This streamlined approach potentially simplifies Apple's supply chain and could lead to increased efficiency.
Related Article : Apple Macbook Pro Models With AI-Capable M4 Chips, Could be Released by End of 2024
M5 MacBooks and Beyond: A Broader Partnership?
Kuo suggests that a successful CCM rollout for M5 MacBooks could pave the way for Sunny Optical to become a supplier for future iPhone and iPad models as well. This broader partnership hinges on the smooth production and delivery of CCMs for the upcoming MacBook lineup.
"My latest survey indicates that starting from 2H24, iPhone orders will gradually return to Sunny Optical. This is due to Sunny Optical's continuous production improvement and communication with Apple," Kuo wrote on his Medium blog.
M4 MacBooks on the Horizon
While the spotlight shines on the M5 series, Apple's immediate focus lies with M4 MacBook Pro models. We can anticipate a refresh of the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M4 chip as early as late 2024, potentially even before the year's end.
High-end models - the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro - are also expected to receive a late 2024 refresh boasting M4 Pro and M4 Max chips.
A Glimpse into the Future: Thinner Design and Face ID?
Rumors swirl surrounding future MacBook Pro designs. As spotted by MacRumors, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman suggests that Cupertino is working on a thinner version, drawing inspiration from the ultrathin 2024 iPad Pro. This design philosophy aligns with Apple's reported commitment to offering the slimmest and lightest products in each category. While the 2024 refresh isn't expected to include design changes, 2025 could be the year we see redesigned MacBooks powered by the M5 chip.
Another intriguing rumor is the potential integration of Face ID into the Mac lineup. The MacBook Pro might be one of the first beneficiaries of this technology, although concrete details regarding this feature's arrival remain under wraps.
With the M5 series on the horizon, Apple appears committed to continuous innovation in its MacBook lineup. The partnership with Sunny Optical signifies potential supply chain improvements and paves the way for future camera advancements. Whether a thinner design or Face ID integration materializes remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Mac ecosystem is headed for exciting developments.
