New Camera Sensor for iPhone 18: Sony to Lose Exclusive Supply Role to Samsung

A new report suggests that Samsung may have secured a sensor order from Apple for the next iPhone 18, marking a major shakeup after years of Sony serving as the…

By Ishika Setia

July 25, 2024

2 min read

Comments

A new report suggests that Samsung may have secured a sensor order from Apple for the next iPhone 18, marking a major shakeup after years of Sony serving as the single-customer supplier for iPhone sensors.

More About iPhone 18 Camera Sensor

Samsung is predicted to start providing Apple with 1/2.6-inch 48MP ultra-wide CMOS image sensors (CIS) for use in iPhones as early as next year, according to Ming-Chi Kuo’s latest report. That would mark the end of several years when Sony was an exclusive supplier to Apple with CIS units. Samsung has assembled a team of employees that only focus on maintaining the Apple relationship and have been redeployed as needed to ensure it meets all of its needs workflow.

It does not mention whether or not the main and telephoto sensors will come from Samsung or if they will continue to be supplied by Sony. However, it is uncertain why Apple has chosen to use Samsung’s sensors.

Perhaps Apple began hedging its bets a little bit, diversifying which companies were making what component. Apple is able to utilize several suppliers in part because that approach reduces the risks related to production problems, and it strengthens its hand during price negotiations. Additionally, it could be a first move in an expansion of the distribution of all camera component orders between Sony and Samsung expected to give Apple more flexibility and resilience in its supply chain.

But Sony and Samsung innovating against each other in camera tech could also be good for us. Stealing this business is likely to drive both companies to improve sensor technology, which could mean eventual performance and feature jumps for various products. The added competition could compel Apple to introduce a variable aperture lens for the iPhone 17 and help fast-track future innovations.

All in all, Samsung jumping into the iPhone sensor game could mean big changes for future iPhone models. If Sony and Samsung are able to make any contributions closer shooting experience, along with the other recent improvements in camera tech we’ve seen from all corners of Asia this past year or so, Apple could be promising even better sensor technology going forward.