Apple’s next smartphone is still the subject of speculation, but a photo that popped up on Flickr has sparked a web frenzy that all but confirms a new camera on the next iPhone.
The photo in question is of a plate of sushi, but it’s the information inside the image – mostly the megapixel size and the GPS coordinates in play – that’s behind heightened excitement levels on many online forums, blogs and news sites.
So what does it mean?
Inside every photo is what’s called “EXIF data” or “exchangeable image file data”, an information stream that includes all sorts of useful information about the photo, including the camera used, lens type, shutter speed, low-light sensitivity, megapixel count, and so on.
On this photograph, the camera type is listed as an iPhone 4, while the pixel count is seen as 3264 by 2448. When you multiple these numbers, you get 7,990,272, or just under 8 million pixels.
Another way of saying “eight million pixels” is “8 megapixels,” a sensor size that rumours have suggested will appear in the iPhone 5 for months now. Meanwhile, the iPhone 4 features a 5 megapixel sensor measuring 2592 by 1944 pixels (5,038,848).
Then there’s the GPS coordinates in the EXIF, a type of information that can only be stored in images if the camera has access to a positioning system. Most still cameras – compacts and interchangeable lens cameras – don’t have a way of grabbing a location after taking a photo, but a smartphone does, often taking a quick snapshot of the position from the GPS found inside handsets.
On this photo, the coordinates found are “37º 19.93′ N, 122º 1.82′ W”. Stick that into Google Maps and you’ll find yourself staring at a building at Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino, California.
It’s important to note that despite the photographic evidence, this is still just a rumour. EXIF information can be faked pretty easily with the right tools, and this could all be one giant hoax by someone with a lot of time.
Still, based on the level of rumour we’re seeing lately, we’re guessing it won’t be long now until we find out from Apple directly.
I want one.
Apple fanbois seem to get so easily excited about features already available on other phones. Who is copying who now? Apple playing catchup with Samsung.
once again..big deal..plenty of other phones have an 8M camera that you can buy today.
Whilst Apple maybe playing catch-up on a minor feature like camera resolution, it’s the other phone manufacturers who are playing catch-up to Apple’s iOS, touchscreen, apps and user base. 🙂
None of this is really true now its it. Do some research, see for yourself.
I suspected that too, but from what we’ve seen, it’s been cropped and EXIF is showing original size.
i’m hungry for sushi
Why do we even bother with such speculations. Just go and but a Samsung and you will not go back to Apple
have used android phones for years and years have recently had 2 different samsung and have gone back to my iphone 4… so much better than all of the others !!
Hope it’s no hoax, only good thing about my i8910 Samsung is the camera. Can’t wait for release of new iPhone.
None of you commenting are technology experts, Leigh is probably the closest to one. Please stop fighting about mobile phones, I have owned both an iPhone and Samsung Galaxy S2 and I have to admit they both lack what each other have.Â
Apple does not need to catch up with it’s technology. Their inspiration for their products is simplicity. From what you guys are currently doing, it’s like going to a BMW dealer and asking him for a car with Bugatti Veyron’s specs!
Smells fishy to me.
It looks a lot better than my old Nokia that is help together with  rubber band!
why would they be taking a photo of a plate of Sushi inside the Apple Building????
Why not?
Cafeteria?
I agree with Photographer, Android is the way of the future.