iPhone 18 Series to Feature Samsung-Made Camera Sensors in Major Upgrade
Apple plans to replace Sony sensors with Samsung’s advanced technology for the iPhone 18 series.
The iPhone 18 series, expected to launch in 2026, is already generating buzz with significant upgrades, including a shift in its camera technology. Apple is reportedly replacing its long-standing partnership with Sony for image sensors with new, advanced sensors developed by Samsung. This marks a major development in the ongoing competition and collaboration between the two tech giants.
Samsung, which has supplied components to Apple for years despite being its direct competitor in the smartphone market, is said to provide 1/2.6-inch 48MP ultra-wide CMOS image sensors for the iPhone 18 series. These sensors will break Sony’s monopoly in supplying image sensors to Apple. To ensure the success of this collaboration, Samsung has created a dedicated team specifically for Apple’s needs.
Additionally, insider sources reveal that Samsung is developing a groundbreaking “3-layer stacked” image sensor in a PD-TR-Logic configuration for Apple. This sensor includes a pixel array (PD), a logic layer, and a temporary storage chip (TR), enabling high-speed data processing. This technology is more advanced than Sony’s existing Exmor RS sensors and may be used as the primary camera sensor in the upcoming iPhones. Samsung’s efforts also align with its own innovation goals, as the company is simultaneously working on a 500MP sensor for its Galaxy devices.
Rumors suggest that the new camera module might not be the only standout feature in the iPhone 18 lineup. Reports indicate that the Pro models will also introduce a camera with variable aperture capabilities, which could significantly enhance the quality and versatility of mobile photography. Whether Samsung’s sensors will be paired with this feature remains uncertain.
Samsung’s expertise in camera technology has been proven in the past, with the company introducing its first 3-layer stacked Isocell sensor in 2018. While the technology was initially used for capturing high-speed slow-motion video, its potential for broader applications, such as improving overall camera performance, could be realized with its integration into Apple’s flagship devices.
The iPhone 18 series is shaping up to be a milestone in Apple’s camera evolution, blending new hardware capabilities with innovative features. As details continue to emerge, the collaboration between Apple and Samsung could redefine expectations for smartphone photography.