For over a decade, Sony has been the exclusive supplier of image sensors for iPhone cameras. But it is possible that Apple will soon choose another supplier for this role – Samsung, and the Korean company is already developing an advanced and unusual sensor for its American partner.
Image source: x.com/tim_cook
Apple and Sony really have a long-term, fruitful cooperation: just over two years ago, the head of the American company, Tim Cook, spoke on Twitter (now X) about his visit to the Sony plant in Kumamoto, where camera sensors are produced. But last summer, authoritative analyst Ming-Chi Kuo learned that at least one of the camera sensors for the iPhone 18 in 2026 would be manufactured by Samsung. According to him, it will be a 1/2.6-inch 48-megapixel sensor for a wide-angle camera – Samsung has allegedly even formed a special department to work with Apple.
Now the data has been confirmed by insider Jukanlosreve, who specializes in information related to Samsung. The Korean company is developing a three-layer sensor in the PD-TR-Logic configuration, he said. This sensor promises to be more advanced than the existing Sony Exmor RS, so it may end up in the iPhone’s main camera. The multi-layer configuration, which places the signal processing unit directly on the back of the sensor, will help it improve performance and make the camera more responsive.
Samsung is also working on a 500-megapixel sensor for its own smartphones, the insider added. This is somewhat similar to the Korean company – increase the number of megapixels, even if the original image becomes noisier.