Samsung Challenges Sony’s iPhone Camera Dominance with New Sensor Technology
A new report suggests Samsung is developing a camera sensor that could rival Sony’s, potentially improving the iPhone 18’s photography capabilities in 2026.
Samsung is reportedly working on a camera sensor that could challenge Sony’s long-standing dominance in iPhone photography. A recent leak suggests that the South Korean tech giant aims to introduce a new three-layer stacked sensor, potentially enhancing the camera performance of the iPhone 18, expected in 2026.
Sony has been Apple’s sole supplier for iPhone camera sensors, making it one of the few exclusive component partnerships in Apple’s supply chain. However, rumors have been circulating that Samsung is looking to disrupt this exclusivity by developing a superior sensor. According to a new leak, Samsung’s approach involves a three-layer stacked design, which could provide faster processing and improved noise reduction.
The three-layer sensor is said to include:
- Photodiode (PD) Layer – Captures incoming light.
- Transfer (TR) Layer – Reduces noise, a feature that is reportedly new in Samsung’s design.
- Logic Layer – Where computational photography processes take place.
By stacking these layers, Samsung aims to enhance camera responsiveness by reducing the time it takes for image data to reach the processor. This design could make iPhone photography faster and clearer, while maintaining a compact form factor suitable for future slim iPhone models, such as a potential “iPhone 17 Slim.”
In addition to the iPhone sensor, the leak also claims that Samsung is developing a 500MP sensor for its own Galaxy smartphones, further pushing the boundaries of mobile photography.
The source of this information, a leaker known as “Jukanlosreve,” has previously posted under the names “Revegnus” and “Tech_reve.” This individual has a history of accurate leaks, including claims about Apple’s ongoing development of micro LED technology and speculation about a lower-cost Apple Vision Pro expected in 2026. While these reports cannot yet be verified, they align with ongoing industry trends.
If Samsung successfully enters Apple’s camera supply chain, it could mark a significant shift in the competition between Sony and Samsung, potentially leading to even more advanced camera technology for future iPhones.