The rumor mill is never really quiet when it comes to Apple products, and sometimes new rumors conflict with what has been suggested in the past.

In this case, it’s the camera setup that Apple is working on for at least one of its future smartphones. Up to this point, there have been several different rumors suggesting Apple is planning on introducing a triple rear camera design for one of its top-tier iPhone models in 2019. The belief is that the iPhone X successors will keep the dual camera setup, while the top-of-the-line “iPhone X Plus” will adopt the triplet design.

The Korea Herald has a report out on Friday that suggests the iPhone X Plus with a three rear camera design will actually be introduced sooner, rather than later. While the language is vague enough not to pin down a specific launch window, it does at least seem to lean heavily into the idea that we could see the new iPhone X Plus with three rear cameras introduced this year, instead of 2019:

“One of Apple’s next premium smartphones, reportedly named as the iPhone X Plus, is also anticipated to come fitted with three camera lenses on the rear.”

It’s the “next” bit that seems to suggest analysts believe it’s possible Apple could introduce the triple rear camera setup this year. After all, the iPhone X Plus that is so often rumored to be introduced this year would be the next smartphone — not one that is launched in 2019. Still, there is some obvious wiggle room there.

It is worth noting that the report is primarily focused on Samsung, and suggests that the company based out of South Korea plans on introducing its own triple camera smartphone with the Galaxy S10 in early 2019:

“Samsung, which has a lower-than-expected demand for its latest Galaxy S9 lineup, will consider to equip its next premium phone with the triple cameras and a 3-D sensor to reinvigorate its smartphone business.”

Sounds like even analysts aren’t completely sold on the idea that Samsung is going to adopt that design decision, though.

Apple is rumored to be launching a 6.5-inch iPhone X Plus this year, which will keep the design aesthetic of the iPhone X, which was launched late last year. The new, bigger handset will boast the same notch at the top of the display, and also keep the drastically minimized bezels. The majority of rumors have suggested it will hold onto the dual rear camera setup, too, but if this new report is to be believed, we may see something a bit bolder later this year.

Our Take

It’s hard to believe that Apple would jump on the three rear camera design so quickly. After all, only Huawei has jumped at that opportunity with the P20 Pro. A year and some change from now? Sure, that seems a bit more believable. Then again, introducing the iPhone X Plus with a little more than just “a bigger ‘all-screen’ design” might be a worthwhile investment for Apple — especially considering it’s going to be an expensive phone.