All iPhones currently use Sony camera sensors, but that could change in the next couple of years. According to a new report, Samsung will supply some camera sensors for the iPhone 18, which will be launched in 2026. This is great news for Samsung, as it aims to end Sony's dominance in the high-end smartphone camera segment.
iPhone 18 could feature Samsung's 48MP ultrawide camera sensor
The iPhone 18 will reportedly use a Samsung camera sensor. This information comes from a credible source and long-time analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo. According to the analyst, Apple will buy Samsung sensors for the iPhone 18's ultrawide camera. 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.
Despite being similar to the current-generation ultrawide cameras, the 48MP camera sensor from Samsung has a resolution advantage. It may resolve higher details, which is very useful in ultrawide cameras.
Apple may have already signed a contract with Samsung for the new camera sensors. Apparently, Samsung's System LSI business, which develops ISOCELL-branded camera sensors, has created a dedicated team to develop camera sensors that align with Apple's needs.
The story continues after our Galaxy S24 Ultra review in the video below.
Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 16 Pro series this year with a 48MP telephoto camera, up from the 12MP sensor used in the iPhone 15 Pro series. Next year, the company is rumored to use three 48MP rear-facing cameras for the iPhone 17 Pro, and its primary camera could feature dual-aperture. In 2026, the company will start using Samsung's 48MP ultrawide cameras.
Galaxy S25 Ultra could counter iPhone 16 Pro Max with better camera specs
In comparison, Samsung is expected to launch the Galaxy S25 Ultra early next year with a massive camera upgrade. The phone will reportedly feature a 200MP primary camera, a 50MP ultrawide camera, a 50MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, and a 50MP super-telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom.
