Apple May Replace Sony with Samsung for iPhone Camera Sensors

Apple is reportedly planning a major shift in its iPhone camera technology, potentially ending its long-standing partnership with Sony in favor of Samsung. Leaks suggest Samsung is developing a cutting-edge “3-layer stacked” image sensor specifically for Apple, promising superior performance compared to the Sony Exmor RS sensors that have powered iPhones for over a decade.

The rumored Samsung sensor employs a PD-TR-Logic configuration with three integrated layers:

1. Photodiode (PD): Captures light, forming the foundation of the image.
2. Transfer (TR): Reduces noise, enhancing clarity, especially in challenging conditions.
3. Logic: Handles computational photography, boosting efficiency and processing speeds.

This design not only accelerates data transfer and processing but also minimizes the sensor size—ideal for slim devices like the anticipated iPhone 17 Slim. Faster processing speeds and enhanced noise reduction are expected to deliver sharper, more detailed photos, even in low-light or high-contrast scenarios.

If true, this move signifies a shift in Apple’s supply chain strategy, which has relied on Sony for camera sensors since 2011. The potential adoption of Samsung’s advanced technology aligns with Apple’s broader strategy to reduce dependency on external suppliers. Recently, Apple has developed its own Bluetooth and Wi-Fi chips to replace Broadcom’s components and is working on in-house modems to replace Qualcomm’s.

Samsung’s ambitions in mobile photography extend beyond Apple. The company is reportedly developing a groundbreaking 500MP sensor for its Galaxy S25 Ultra, setting new benchmarks in smartphone photography. Meanwhile, Apple’s upcoming iPhones are rumored to feature significant upgrades: the iPhone 17 Pro models may include the A19 Pro chip, while the iPhone 18, launching in 2026, could debut Samsung’s 3-layer stacked sensor alongside a 48MP variable aperture camera and TSMC’s 2-nanometer A20 chipset.

This potential shift underscores the competitive nature of the smartphone market, with Apple and Samsung both vying for leadership in mobile imaging technology. Samsung’s innovative sensor could redefine iPhone photography, marking a new era in Apple’s flagship devices.