Apple is increasing orders for VCSEL chips for the ToF-based LiDAR scanners used in its iPhone 12 Pro, thanks to stronger than expected demand for the new handsets.
Taiwanese industry publication DigiTimes reports demand for the iPhone 12 Pro has been heavy, particularly in the United States. This has led Apple to increase its orders of VCSEL chips for the LiDAR scanners that are in the model.
Apple is placing more orders for VCSEL chips as delivery lead-time for pre-orders of the iPhone 12 Pro has now extended to 2-3 weeks compared 2-3 days for the iPhone 12, said the sources.
The model’s popularity has reportedly caught Apple by surprise, as the company had a larger stock of the more affordable iPhone 12 as it had anticipated that demand for the cheaper 6.1-inch model would be stronger.
Demand for VCSEL chips as well as Face ID 3D sensors is expected to remain strong for a while after Apple begins shipping the large 6.7-inch iPhone 12 Pro Max on Friday, November 13.
Taiwan-based GaAs foundry Win Semiconductor, which is said to be a producer of VCSEL chips for the iPhone 12 Pro, says its fourth-quarter revenue is expected to be higher than its previous quarter numbers, thanks to the strong demand.
