Technology, Process and Cost
iPhone 15 Pro LiDAR Module
By Yole SystemPlus —
The iPhone 15 Pro’s new LiDAR solution by Sony
SPR23791
Overview / Introduction
- Executive Summary
- Reverse Costing Methodology
- iPhone 15 Pro LiDAR
- Glossary
Company Profile & Supply Chain
Physical Analysis
- Summary of the Physical Analysis
- iPhone 15 Pro Max Teardown
- LiDAR Module Assembly
- Module Overview & Teardown
- Module Cross Section & Optics
- Component Connections
- SPAD Image Sensor
- Overview
- Die Corners
- Delayering & Main Blocks
- Cross Section
- Process Summary
- VCSEL
- Die Overview & Dimensions
- Cross Section
- Process Summary
- Driver ASIC
- Die Overview & Dimensions
- Cross Section
- Delayering & Main Blocks
- Process Summary
Physical Comparison with the Previous Generation
Manufacturing Process Flow
- Global Overview
- SPAD Image Sensor Process & Fabrication Units
- VCSEL Process & Fabrication Units
- Driver ASIC Process & Fabrication Unit
- Module Assembly Process & Fabrication Unit
Cost Analysis
- Main Steps of the Economic Analysis
- Yields Explanation and Hypotheses
- SPAD Image Sensor
- Front-End Costs
- Back-End Costs
- Die Costs & Selling Price
- VCSEL
- Epitaxy & Front-End Costs
- Back-End Costs
- Die Costs
- Driver ASIC
- Front-End Costs
- Back-End Costs
- Die Costs & Selling Price
- Module Assembly
- Lens Module Costs
- Assembly Costs
- BOM & Module Cost Breakdown
Cost Comparison with the Previous Generation
Selling Price
Feedback
Related Products
About Yole Group
Sony’s new LiDAR solution in the iPhone 15 Pro
The years 2016 to 2019 saw an explosion in smartphone 3D imaging with over 20 smartphones confirmed by our team to contain such technologies. Apple made a strong showing, coming out with both the front-facing Face ID system in 2017 and then the rear-facing LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) module in 2019. By 2023, most OEMs have abandoned this track, with front-facing facial recognition systems generally seen as not worth the loss in display area and rear-facing 3D imaging being replaced by multizone rangers optimized for laser autofocus.
Apple however has stayed in the game, and the iPhone 15 Pro features a new LiDAR module totally redesigned around a direct time-of-flight (dToF) solution by Sony. The bottom-emitting VCSEL (Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser) light source is directly bumped to the driver ASIC and generates the 8x14 point pattern using over 100 independently controlled mesas. The dToF of each point is then measured by a 940 nm-enhanced SPAD (Single-Photon Avalanche Diode) image sensor with onboard distance calculation logic. The new design reduces active die area by over a third and eliminates diffractive optics, leading to significant cost savings over the previous generation.
This is a full reverse costing and technology report on the iPhone 15 Pro LiDAR module. It includes complete technical and physical analysis of the SPAD imager, VCSEL, driver ASIC, and module assembly. Imaging by optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and chemical analysis by energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy is combined with supply chain analysis to determine the manufacturing steps and calculate the cost breakdown of the module. We also estimate the selling price to Apple and provide a technical and cost comparison with the previous generation LiDAR module found in the iPad Pro and iPhones 12-14 Pro.
- Apple
- GSEO (Genius Electronic Optical Co., Ltd)
- IQE PLC
- LG Innotek
- Sony
- TSMC
Key Features
- Detailed photos
- Detailed SEM images
- Module structure
- Precise measurements
- Materials analysis
- Manufacturing process flow
- Supply chain evaluation
- Manufacturing cost analysis
- Selling Price Analysis
- Comparison with Previous Generation in iPhones 12-14 Pro
Product Objectives
- This is a full reverse costing and technology report on the iPhone 15 Pro LiDAR module. It includes complete technical and physical analysis of the SPAD imager, VCSEL, driver ASIC, and module assembly. Imaging by optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and chemical analysis by energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy is combined with supply chain analysis to determine the manufacturing steps and calculate the cost breakdown of the module. We also estimate the selling price to Apple and provide a technical and cost comparison with the previous generation LiDAR module found in the iPhones 12-14 Pro.