For over ten years, Sony has held an exclusive manufacturing deal for iPhone camera sensors. However, last year, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo indicated this might change with the iPhone 18. This speculation has now been reinforced by a new report providing additional insights.
The latest report states that Samsung is developing a 3-layer stacked camera sensor for Apple, which is expected to enhance the capabilities of future iPhone cameras.
Sony’s iPhone Camera Sensors
For years, Sony has produced the most sophisticated smartphone camera sensors, consistently providing all the sensors used in iPhones.
Teardowns that reveal known Sony model numbers serve as solid proof, but Apple CEO Tim Cook also confirmed this relationship a couple of years ago, sharing on Twitter about his visit to Sony’s camera sensor facility in Kumamoto.
We’ve collaborated with Sony for more than a decade to develop the world’s leading camera sensors for iPhone. Thank you to Ken and everyone on the team for the tour of the state-of-the-art facility in Kumamoto today.
But Samsung May Produce One for the iPhone 18
Kuo also mentioned last summer that Samsung is anticipated to manufacture at least one sensor for the iPhone 18, set for release in 2026.
Samsung is expected to start shipping 1/2.6-inch 48MP ultra-wide CMOS image sensors (CIS) to Apple for its iPhones as early as 2026, breaking Sony’s longstanding supply monopoly. To facilitate this, Samsung has formed a dedicated team to assist Apple.
Exclusive: Samsung is currently designing a “3-layer stacked” image sensor in a PD-TR-Logic configuration tailored for Apple. This sensor is reportedly more advanced than Sony’s current Exmor RS, and it could potentially serve as the main sensor.
A stacked sensor integrates the processing electronics directly onto the back of the sensor. A three-layer version would have additional circuitry attached, likely enhancing signal processing speeds and responsiveness for the camera.
These stacked sensors also have the potential to mitigate certain noise issues, leading to improved image quality.
Additionally, Jukanlosreve mentions that Samsung is developing a 500MP sensor for its smartphones. While this claim may sound exaggerated, it aligns with the company’s pursuit of high megapixel counts, even if the final images exhibit higher noise levels.
DMN’s Perspective
A couple of reports is still relatively limited evidence for what would be a notable shift in Apple’s supply chain. Nevertheless, Samsung seems to be putting in significant effort to secure a partnership with Apple.
Moreover, Apple prefers to have multiple suppliers for major components to enhance negotiation leverage and ensure contingency options. Thus, there is a credible possibility that even with ongoing utilization of Sony sensors, Apple would also consider sourcing some from Samsung.
While the report indicates this new sensor might be intended for the primary camera, it appears more likely that Apple would initially test it with a secondary sensor.
Photo of iPhone 16 Pro Max camera module: iFixit
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