Samsung is reportedly developing a 3-layer stack camera sensor for the iPhone.

Sony has held a exclusive production contract for iPhone camera sensors for over 10 years, but last year, Apple analyst Min Chi Kuo suggested that this could change with the iPhone 18. This was backed by another report and some additional information was added.

According to the latest reports, Samsung is developing a three-layer stacked camera sensor for Apple, which is expected to improve the performance of future iPhones.

Sony's iPhone Camera Sensors

Sony has been producing some of the most advanced smartphone camera sensors in recent years, and it is not a secret that all the sensors used in iPhones have long been produced by Sony.

Two years ago, when Apple CEO Tim Cook visited Sony's camera sensor factory (Kurokawa City) via Twitter, he confirmed this fact.

We have built a partnership with Sony for over 10 years to create the world's top camera sensors for iPhones. Today, we thank Ken and the entire team for showing us the leading facilities in Kumamoto.

However, Samsung may create one for the iPhone 18

However, last summer, Kow predicted that Samsung could produce at least one sensor for the iPhone 18 by 2026.

Samsung is expected to start sending a 1/2.6-inch 48MP ultra-wide-angle CMOS image sensor (CIS) for iPhones from 2026 onwards, which would break Apple's decades-long monopoly on supplying CISs. To achieve this, Samsung has set up a specialized team for Apple.

Jukanlosreve, who mainly posts content related to Samsung, supports this view and claims that there is specific information about the sensor.

Monopoly: Samsung is currently developing a stacked image sensor with PD-TR-Logic configuration. This sensor is more advanced than Sony's existing Exmor RS and should not be considered as a candidate for the main sensor.

The stacked sensor has a structure where processing electronic components are directly attached to the back of the sensor, and in a three-layer version, additional circuits connected to the sensor increase signal processing speed, which is expected to improve camera responsiveness.

The stacked sensor may also reduce some noise sources and improve image quality.

Jukanlosreve, who claims that Shouji has developed its own 500MP smartphone sensor, says it sounds unreasonable but notes that the company's consistent goal is to increase the MP number even if the resulting images are of poor quality.

There is still some thin evidence that a major change could be added to Apple's supply chain, but Samsung is definitely trying to win business from iPhone manufacturers.

In addition, Apple tends to prefer multiple suppliers for its main components. This is also for emergency plans and to improve negotiation power. Therefore, it is completely reasonable to think that even if Sony continues to use its sensors, Samsung will be looking for some supply sources from them.

According to the report, the new sensor is likely to be for the main camera, but Apple may first try a secondary sensor.