Apple has placed an order for a new compact camera module (CCM) for the M5 MacBook models scheduled for release in 2025. These new CCMs will reportedly be manufactured by Apple’s Vietnamese supplier Sunny Optical. This development marks significant changes in Apple’s optical component supply chain.

M5 MacBook camera module coming in 2025

Apple’s new compact camera module from Sunny Optical will be used in the M5 MacBook Pro models expected to be released in late 2025. The module will include all the camera components except the lens, namely the sensor, a digital signal processing (DSP) unit and an infrared filter to filter out wavelengths that can affect color accuracy.

Sunny Optical has supplied iPhone lenses to Apple in the past, but that deal was canceled due to production issues. However, according to Ming-Chi Kuo’s report, Sunny Optical seems to have regained this cooperation by improving the quality of its production and staying in constant communication with Apple. Starting in the second half of 2024, iPhone orders will gradually return to Sunny Optical.

As the only supplier that can supply both CCM and lenses at the same time, Sunny Optical can simplify Apple’s optical component supply chain. This could help Apple achieve greater efficiency in its supply chain and optimize its manufacturing processes.

Apple is expected to release M4 MacBook Pro models in the last quarter of this year. M5 versions are scheduled to arrive about a year later. These new CCMs could provide significant improvements to the M5 MacBooks’ camera performance and enhance the user experience.

Apple’s collaboration with Sunny Optical for the M5 MacBook models could bring significant innovation to future devices. Together with the new compact camera module (CCM), the camera performance of these models is expected to take a big step forward.