Camera sensor in the iPhone: Will Apple be working with Samsung in the future?
Future iPhones could contain a camera sensor from Samsung. The South Koreans are interested in replacing Apple's supplier Sony.
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Apple's fierce smartphone competitor Samsung, of all companies, is allegedly developing a new camera sensor for future iPhones. At least that's according to a leaker on Platform X, who has already made correct predictions about Apple's suppliers in the past. However, according to the leaker, such a sensor change could only take place in the iPhone 18 in 2026. The whole thing is currently still at an early stage. The first reports hinting at such a development appeared as early as spring 2024.
So far, Apple has sourced its camera sensors from Sony. However, Apple also already has a business relationship with Samsung –. The South Koreans have supplied the iPhone manufacturer with displays, among other things. Samsung is allegedly developing a three-layer image sensor for Apple, according to the post by the leaker, who calls himself Jukanlosreve. This sensor is said to be more advanced than Sony's Exmor RS and could even be used for the iPhone's main camera.
Particularly interesting for thin devices
The stacked design of several layers could process image data faster and improve the responsiveness of the camera. The top layer would be a photodiode (PD) that captures the light. The noise could then be reduced in a transfer layer (TR) and the image processed further in the logic layer.
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If Samsung can build this sensor small enough, it could be particularly suitable for thinner devices. This would fit in with rumors that Apple is planning a corresponding new release with the iPhone Air, even if the new sensor would probably only help there in the second generation.
Worthwhile for Apple
Of course, a collaboration with Samsung does not mean that Sony is completely out of the running. On the contrary, it would actually be a great advantage for Apple if several suppliers were considered, as this would put Apple in a stronger position in negotiations than if the company were dependent on a single manufacturer. According to the leaker, Samsung is also working on designing a 500-megapixel sensor for its devices.
(mki)
