Largan Precision caught in the eight-megapixel iPhone 5 rumor

Taiwanese trade publication DigiTimes (which has a a hit-and-miss record in the Apple rumors business) is out today with the news that Largan Precision might become the principal supplier of eight-megapixel lens modules for a fifth-generation iPhone:

Taiwan-based Largan Precision currently sees 8-megapixel phone-use lens modules account for nearly 10% of its total lens module shipment volume, but it may see 8-megapixel modules replace 5-megapixel ones to become the mainstream for smartphones in the third quarter of 2011 due to possible orders from Apple, according to industry sources in Taiwan.

The same company already supplies Apple with five-megapixel lens modules for iPhone 4. They also provide lenses for iPad 2. Note the mention of the third quarter of 2011 release which corroborates what everyone else has been hearing lately, that the next iPhone is set for a Fall 2011 launch at the earnest rather than arrive at Apple’s annual developer conference which runs this year from June 6-10. Latest leaks from sources indicate a revised design for Apple’s next handset calling for a relocated LED flash, most likely to improve image quality.