- With demand from Apple and Chinese mobile OEMs remaining strong, CEO Kaz Hirai Sony (SNE -3.1%) plans to invest €1.5B ($1.7B) in its image sensor ops in FY16 (ends March '16) - 5x what it invested in FY15.
- The remarks come as Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) gets set to launch the iPhone 6S/6S+, which are expected to feature much-improved cameras. The rear camera is rumored to support 12MP still photos, 4K video recording, and a faster burst mode; the front camera is reportedly being upgraded to 5MP.
- Image sensors have been a strong point for Sony as it deals with weak smartphone and (PS4 excluded) home electronics sales. The company is believed to be taking share from OmniVision (OVTI +0.7%), which is expected by the Street to see its FY16 (ends April '16) sales drop 8.8% Y/Y.