If you didn’t know, Apple’s iPhones rely largely on camera sensors made by Sony. Sony provides the hardware, and Apple has its own imaging algorithms. However, Apple is looking to diversify and according to the rumors, Samsung is expected to start providing camera sensors for iPhones in 2026.
Apple to use Samsung camera sensors for iPhone 18
This is according to a report from notable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Kuo claims that Samsung will start supplying Apple with camera sensors starting in 2026. However, the South Korean tech giant will not replace Sony’s role in Apple’s supply chain entirely. The report suggests that Samsung will not supply the sensors used in the flagship iPhones.
Instead, Kuo says it will first be adopted in Apple’s low-end iPhone models. By that we’re not sure if he means the base iPhone 18, or if we’re talking about the rumored iPhone 17e, which is expected to debut in the first half of 2026. Then, presumably based on how well these sensors perform and if Samsung can deliver sufficient quantity to Apple’s standards, the Cupertino company could eventually start using Samsung’s sensors for its flagship lineup.
This strategy makes sense. Apple did something similar with its own C1 in-house modem. Instead of adopting it for its flagship series, Apple put it in the lower-end iPhone 16e first. As expected, it still isn’t on par with Qualcomm’s modems, but Apple now has its foot in the door. The company is probably going with the same strategy with Samsung’s camera sensors.
A long-standing partnership
Both Apple and Samsung are rivals in the mobile space. Both companies have sued each other in court in one of the most epic patent infringement lawsuits we’ve ever seen. However, despite all of that, both companies still work closely with each other.
For instance, the DRAM and NAND chips used in Apple’s products are from Samsung. So are the displays used in the iPhone. In fact, if the rumors are accurate, Samsung could supply Apple with a flexible display that will be used in 2026’s foldable iPhone. It remains to be seen how Samsung’s sensors stack up against Sony.
Both companies produce sensors that are capable of producing high quality images and videos. However, software definitely plays a role too. So, we’ll have to wait and see if Apple can squeeze out more from Samsung’s chips compared to Sony’s.
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