Samsung Electronics unveils three newest image sensor solutions (Image courtesy of Samsung Electronics)
SEOUL, Jul. 26 (Korea Bizwire) – In a potential shake-up of its supply chain, Apple is expected to diversify its camera sensor suppliers, ending Sony’s long-standing monopoly in the iPhone’s imaging technology.
According to noted Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of TF International Securities, Samsung Electronics could begin supplying image sensors for iPhones as early as 2026.
Kuo shared his prediction on X (formerly Twitter) on July 24, suggesting that this move would mark the end of Sony’s years-long exclusive agreement with Apple for camera sensors. The analyst believes Apple will likely adopt Samsung’s 1/2.6-inch 48-megapixel ultra-wide CMOS image sensor.
Image sensors, often referred to as the “eyes” of smartphones, are crucial semiconductor components that convert light captured by camera lenses into digital signals to create images. Sony has long dominated the global image sensor market, with Samsung as its primary competitor.
This potential shift comes as a surprise to many, given Apple’s historically close relationship with Sony for imaging technology. In a rare disclosure of supplier information, Apple CEO Tim Cook acknowledged in 2022 that Sony had been supplying camera components for iPhones for over a decade.
However, industry experts caution that a change in sensor supplier doesn’t necessarily mean a drastic shift in image quality or style for iPhone users. The Verge, a technology news outlet, points out that Apple’s software processing plays a significant role in determining the final image output, with the company typically favoring a more true-to-life aesthetic.
The adoption of a 48-megapixel sensor would represent a significant upgrade from the current 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera found in the iPhone 15 Pro, potentially offering users more detailed and higher resolution images.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
