Details about the iPhone 18 series have started emerging even as there are months to go before the iPhone 17 lineup sees the light of day.
A leak in the second half of last year claimed that the Cupertino giant would stop depending on Sony in 2026 for its camera sensors. The new report now claims that Samsung would be Apple’s go-to source for these sensors.
Three-Layer Stacked Image Sensor
Although the post by Jukanlosreve on the popular X platform does not reveal the names of smartphones that would use Samsung’s sensors, it is safe to assume that they would first arrive in the iPhone 18 lineup.
Exclusive: Samsung is currently developing a “3-layer stacked” image sensor in a PD-TR-Logic configuration for Apple.
This sensor is more advanced than Sony’s existing Exmor RS, and I believe it cannot be ruled out as a potential candidate for the main sensor.
Samsung is…
— Jukanlosreve (@Jukanlosreve) January 1, 2025
According to the post, Samsung is working on an image sensor with three layers stacked one above the other in a PD-TR-Logic configuration. Each layer has a distinct purpose. The first Photodiode layer helps in capturing light while the second Transfer layer, which is exclusive to Samsung, assists in lowering background noise. The third Logic layer helps with computational photography.
Also Read: iPhone 17 Pro Not Likely to Include a Camera Visor as Reported Earlier
The three-layer design is expected to offer some key advantages. The processing speed is anticipated to be faster and ideal for those wishing to capture photos immediately. Moreover, the overall image quality is expected to be better than before because of improved color accuracy and enhanced dynamic range.
This sensor is touted to be more advanced than the Sony Exmor RS image sensor that is currently found in iPhones to date ever since the iPhone 4s.
It is still unclear at this time if all the smartphones in the iPhone 18 series will make use of the new Samsung sensor. Also, it is yet to be known which camera will use this sensor.
The iPhone 18 lineup is likely to be launched in September 2026. Apart from the new image sensor, the series is also anticipated to use an application processor featuring a 2 nm process node manufactured by TSMC.
In related news, Samsung is also working on a huge 500 MP sensor. However, this sensor will be deployed in the manufacturer’s very own Galaxy smartphones.
