Samsung Reportedly Developing Advanced Image Sensor for iPhone 18
Samsung may supply a new 3-layer image sensor for Apple’s iPhone 18, challenging Sony’s dominance.
Recent reports suggest that Samsung is working on a cutting-edge 3-layer stacked image sensor specifically designed for Apple, potentially marking the beginning of a new partnership in Apple’s supply chain for iPhone cameras. This development could challenge Sony’s current exclusive position as the supplier of image sensors for iPhones.
According to a leak from the source @Jukanlosreve on Twitter, the new Samsung sensor follows a PD-TR-Logic configuration. It features a photodiode layer (PD) to gather light, a transfer layer (TR) to handle noise reduction, and a logic layer to integrate computational photography capabilities. If true, this design would surpass the technological capabilities of Sony’s Exmor RS sensor currently utilized in existing iPhones.
Speculation around this new partnership gained traction in July 2024 when analyst Ming-Chi Kuo hinted that Samsung might provide a 48 MP 1/2.6" sensor for the iPhone 18’s ultrawide module. However, it remains uncertain whether Samsung will also supply the primary wide-angle camera sensor for the device.
If Apple adopts Samsung’s sensor, it could represent a significant step forward in camera performance, with potentially better light-gathering capabilities and enhanced computational photography. However, whether the sensor will meet or exceed Sony’s performance standards will only be revealed when the product is launched.
In related news, the same leak indicated that Samsung is also developing a 500 MP image sensor for its Galaxy lineup. While impressive in terms of marketing, experts have questioned the practical benefits of such a high megapixel count in a sensor likely limited to a 1-inch surface area. The sensor is expected to use pixel-binning techniques similar to the current Samsung ISOCELL HP2, potentially producing a 13.9 MP final image output.
Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 18 in late Q3 2026, following its typical September/October release schedule. Industry observers will closely watch how this development influences the competition between Samsung and Sony in the image sensor market.