Samsung may supply advanced camera sensors for the iPhone 18 series, 500MP sensor also in the works | Tech Tips

Apple has various component suppliers for its products. However, the Cupertino-based tech giant has always stuck with Sony for camera sensors on its devices, especially, the iPhones. This is expected to end in 2026 as Samsung could be the supplying optics parts to Apple for the iPhone 18 series as reported by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo last July. There’s a new development to this story brought by a tipster revealing that the South Korean brand is working on more advanced image sensors. 

Apple could switch to Samsung for image sensors in 2026

• Jukanlosreve on X shares that Samsung is reportedly working on a three-layer stacked image sensor for Apple in a PD-TR-Logic configuration. 
• This means that each sensor has three chips stacked on the top of each other with each chip serving a different purpose. 
• This structure has an obvious advantage of faster processing speeds when users want to click pictures immediately. It will also offer better image quality with improved dynamic range and enhanced colour accuracy. 
• Samsung’s 3-layer stacked sensor is claimed to be more advanced than Sony Exmor RS image sensors that are currently found on iPhones. 
  

  Exclusive: Samsung is currently developing a “3-layer stacked” image sensor in a PD-TR-Logic configuration for Apple.

  
  

  This sensor is more advanced than Sony’s existing Exmor RS, and I believe it cannot be ruled out as a potential candidate for the main sensor.

  Samsung is…

  — Jukanlosreve (@Jukanlosreve) January 1, 2025

  
  

• Alongside developing the sensors for Apple, the South Korean brand is also working on a 500MP sensor for its Galaxy devices. 
• However, we may first get 320MP and 440MP sensors made by the company as it was reported previously. 
• The Galaxy S24 Ultra already has Samsung’s ISOCELL 200MP main camera. This is also expected to make its way on the upcoming S25 Ultra. 

With Samsung reportedly entering Apple’s supply chain for camera components, it might put an end to Sony’s monopoly in 2026. The Cupertino-based tech giant could also get a bargaining room for negotiating with Sony. Furthermore, it remains to be seen if Samsung will supply the sensors for the entire iPhone 18 lineup and for which camera – main, ultra-wide, or telephoto unit. 

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