‘Plan’ to beat Sony’s iPhone camera ‘dominance’ may be in the works at Samsung

Apple is reportedly considering a shift in its iPhone camera sensor supplier, moving from Sony to Samsung. According to a rumor shared by leaker Jukanlosreve on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Samsung is developing a cutting-edge “3-layer stacked” image sensor specifically for Apple. This new sensor is said to surpass Sony’s current Exmor RS technology, which has been the standard in iPhones for over a decade, potentially marking a significant upgrade in camera performance.

The leaked information suggests that the 3-layer stacked sensor, designed in a PD-TR-Logic configuration, could improve image quality, processing speed, and energy efficiency. This enhancement would be particularly valuable for smartphones, where rapid photo capture and compact designs are critical. Jukanlosreve stated, “Samsung is working on a 3-layer stacked image sensor for Apple, while simultaneously developing a 500MP sensor for its own Galaxy devices.” If true, this collaboration could signify a major shift in Apple’s supply chain strategy, with Samsung taking over as the supplier of a key iPhone component.

Switching to Samsung’s advanced sensor technology could bring features such as faster processing, enhanced noise reduction, and improved low-light performance to future iPhone models. This innovation would align with Apple’s focus on delivering high-quality photography and efficient device performance. The rumored sensor could be a strong contender for the main camera in upcoming models, potentially including the speculated iPhone 17 Slim.

Beyond camera advancements, Apple is also working on other in-house hardware developments to reduce reliance on third-party suppliers. The company is reportedly progressing in the creation of its own modem technology to replace Qualcomm’s, aiming for better control over performance. Additionally, Apple is said to be developing proprietary Bluetooth and Wi-Fi chips, dubbed Proxima, to eventually phase out Broadcom’s components. These chips are anticipated to debut this year, furthering Apple’s strategy of self-reliance in its hardware ecosystem.