When the iPhone 12 is released, it will likely feature an upgraded camera lens, but a delay in the supply of new hardware to Apple's assembly line may make a later-than-expected launch inevitable

The news comes from AppleInsider, which obtained an investor memo written by respected Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo Kuo claims that lens manufacturer Largan will begin shipping "high-end" lenses to Apple in mid-July for use in the iPhone 12's rear camera module

We had previously heard from Kuo that Apple will use a 7-element lens for the iPhone 12's main camera, an upgrade from the iPhone 11 series' 6-element main lens, telephoto lens, and 5-element ultra-wide lens

The additional lens elements should improve photo quality by reducing image distortion that occurs when light passes through the lens and enters the camera sensor It is unclear whether this will apply to all iPhone 12 models or just the two iPhone 12 Pro versions

The timing of this shipment is further evidence that Apple's iPhone production has been delayed this year Typically, lens shipments begin 4-6 weeks earlier than this, with shipments peaking in August-October, rather than September-November as projected for this year

This could mean that Apple's usual September iPhone event will be held in October instead Otherwise, disappointed customers may find that the iPhone devices are not good enough

Previous rumors said that the iPhone 12's other major camera changes would include the addition of a LiDAR depth sensor to the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max, and that the new A14 chipset would allow 4K video recording at up to 240 fps

Also of note are new screen size options of 54", 61", and 67", depending on the model It is also possible that all four models will have OLED displays, and two iPhone 12 Pro models will have 5G connectivity and 120Hz displays, but this last detail seems more uncertain now, according to recent rumors