When Apple launches the iPhone 13 series later this fall, it could come equipped with sensor-shift technology across all four models. The technology aims to greatly improve traditional optical image stabilization (OIS), resulting in better-looking photos across the board.

Sensor-shift OIS was one of the many camera features introduced on the iPhone 12 Pro Max last year. Where 'normal' OIS moves the entire lens of a camera to improve stabilization, sensor-shift OIS only moves the sensor — hence the name. In real-world use, this translates to sharper photos and steadier video. Sensor-shift OIS proved to be one of the iPhone 12 Pro Max's best camera features, but unfortunately, it was only available on the 12 Pro Max. Users with the iPhone 12, 12 mini, and 12 Pro didn't get to join in on the fun.

Related: What iPhone 13 Pro Max's Rumored f/1.5 Wide-Angle Camera Lens Means

Sensor-shift is returning to the iPhone 13 lineup, and this time around, shoppers won't have to buy the most expensive model to use it. A report from DigiTimes recently highlighted increased demand for voice coil motors (VCM) — a component used for focus technology in smartphone cameras. The report notes, "The VCM makers mainly deliver shipments for Android handsets in the first half of the year, but such shipments are expected to be surpassed by those for iPhones in the second half, given that all new iPhones will feature the sensor-shift OIS (optical image stabilization) function."

Why Sensor-Shift For iPhone 13 Is A Big Deal

The iPhone 12 Pro Max is widely regarded as having one of the best camera systems of last year. While there are a lot of things that contribute to that, sensor-shift OIS is one of the main ones. Stabilization can often be the deciding factor as to whether a photo/video turns out good or not — especially in low-light situations. As Apple describes sensor-shift for the iPhone 12 Pro Max, "Until now, sensor‑shift stabilization was only on DSLR cameras. This is the first time it’s been adapted for iPhone. Whether you’re shooting video of your kids as you chase them around the park or holding your iPhone out the window on a bumpy road, you’ll get more precise stabilization than ever."

Apple will likely still offer better sensors for the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max that the regular 13 and 13 mini don't have, but the fact that all four models will get the same premium-grade stabilization is beyond exciting. That means more people will be able to capture sharper photos and steadier videos without having to splurge for the most expensive iPhone. Combined with any other camera upgrades Apple has planned for this year's release, that's a lot to look forward to.

Next: How Apple Reportedly Shrunk The iPhone 13 Notch

Source: DigiTimes