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Highlights Samsung to supply 48MP ultra-wide CMOS image sensors for iPhone 18 Move ends Sony's exclusive reign as Apple's sole image sensor supplier Apple's strategy aims to diversify suppliers and enhance bargaining power Potential for improved camera performance and features due to competition In a surprising turn of events, the upcoming iPhone 18 is set to receive a significant camera upgrade, with Samsung poised to break Sony's longstanding monopoly on supplying image sensors to Apple. Change in Camera Sensors for iPhones iPhone 18 to Feature New Camera Sensor, Ending Sony's Exclusive Reign According to Kuo's report, Samsung is gearing up to provide Apple with 1/2.6-inch 48MP ultra-wide CMOS image sensors (CIS) as early as 2026. iPhone Pro: 2024: Pill shape 2025: Pill shape 2026: Under panel Face ID: + hole 2027: Under panel face ID + under panel camera Regular iPhone: 2024: Pill shape without AOD and ProMotion 2025: Pill shape with AOD and ProMotion 2026: Pill shape with AOD and ProMotion 2027: Under panel Face ID + hole with AOD and ProMotion To support this new venture, Samsung has reportedly established a dedicated team to cater to Apple's needs. Samsung likely to be Apple's new CIS supplier / Samsung - Ming Chi Kuo While details remain scarce, the report suggests that this change may initially affect only the ultra-wide camera sensor. “Samsung is expected to begin shipping 1/2.6-inch 48MP ultra-wide CMOS image sensors (CIS) to Apple for iPhones as early as 2026, breaking Sony’s years-long monopoly on supplying CIS to Apple. To this end, Samsung has established a dedicated team to serve Apple,” said Ming-Chi Kuo on his Medium blogpost. Kuo said Samsung has already dedicated a team within its ranks to work on the camera components with a view to specifically supplying Apple. There's no mention of alterations to the main and telephoto sensors, hinting that Sony might retain its role in supplying these components. Why Did Apple Ditch Sony? Apple's strategy aims to diversify suppliers and enhance bargaining power This move by Apple could be driven by several factors. Firstly, it aligns with the company's preference for multiple suppliers, which helps mitigate production risks and strengthens its bargaining power in pricing negotiations. This strategy could potentially lead to a more evenly split camera component order between Sony and Samsung in the future. More excitingly, this development could spark increased competition between Sony and Samsung, not just in terms of pricing but also in technological advancements. iPhone 18 (2026) will feature an Ultrawide camera made by Samsung With two industry giants vying for Apple's business, we may see accelerated improvements in both camera performance and features. This news follows recent reports of Apple planning to introduce a variable aperture lens for the iPhone 17, suggesting that the tech giant is actively pursuing camera innovations. The introduction of Samsung as a sensor supplier could further fuel this drive for improvement. The sensor has a 48MP resolution and is in a 1/2.6-inch optical format, the same size as the current 12MP ultrawide camera used in the iPhone 15 Pro series While it's too early to predict the exact impact on image quality and features, this shift in Apple's supply chain dynamics is likely to benefit consumers in the long run. iPhone users can look forward to potential leaps in camera technology in future models. As always, it's worth noting that plans in the tech industry can change rapidly, and we'll need to wait for official announcements from Apple to confirm these developments. Source FAQs What significant change is expected in the iPhone 18's camera? The iPhone 18 is set to feature a 48MP ultra-wide CMOS image sensor supplied by Samsung, ending Sony's exclusive supply of image sensors to Apple. Why is Apple switching to Samsung for camera sensors? Apple is diversifying its suppliers to mitigate production risks, enhance bargaining power, and stimulate competition, which could lead to better pricing and technological advancements. Will Samsung supply all camera sensors for the iPhone 18? Currently, Samsung is expected to supply only the ultra-wide camera sensor, with no changes mentioned for the main and telephoto sensors, which Sony might still provide. What are the potential benefits of Apple using Samsung sensors? Increased competition between Sony and Samsung could drive advancements in camera technology, potentially leading to improved camera performance and new features for iPhone users. When is Samsung expected to start supplying camera sensors to Apple? Samsung is anticipated to begin supplying 1/2.6-inch 48MP ultra-wide CMOS image sensors to Apple as early as 2026. Also Read: Under-Screen Face ID Delayed for iPhone, Now Expected in 2026 iPhone 18 Pro Models

smartphone camera innovation

iPhone 18 to Feature New Camera Sensor, Ending Sony’s Exclusive Reign