Future iPhones may use Samsung camera sensors instead of Sony

The iPhone 16 series is expected to launch in just a few months. Thanks to leaked information spread on the Internet, we can now make relatively accurate predictions about the new product line. In fact, rumors about next year's iPhone model, the iPhone 17 series, have also begun to appear, in which an important change in hardware is expected, specifically in the camera aspect.

As revealed by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, after OLED, Samsung will likely 'oust' Sony to participate in the super wide-angle CMOS image sensor (CIS) supply chain for Apple. And to get this contract, Samsung had to establish a specialized development team, working directly with Apple.

Kou said Apple is expected to start using a 1/2.6-inch ultra-wide-angle 48MP camera sensor from Samsung for its iPhone models as early as 2026. If this happens, here's This will be a strong blow to Sony, which has been Apple's exclusive camera sensor supplier for a long time, and has earned large profits from this cooperation.

However, since Samsung's plan to switch to 48MP cameras may begin in 2026, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 models will likely still be equipped with Sony sensors. In other words, the change will start to apply on the iPhone 18 series.

There is currently no information about changes to the main and telephoto cameras, suggesting that these sensors may still be manufactured by Sony. Apple's choice of Samsung as a supplier of wide-angle camera sensors for the iPhone lies in its strategy of diversifying supply and increasing negotiating power on price. This method has been applied relatively successfully by the company with iPhone and iPad screen panels.

Let's wait and see how this change will bring impressive improvements to the camera system on future iPhone models!

David Pac

Update 26 July 2024