After exclusively using Sony for its iPhone camera image sensors, Apple is said to have started final quality testing on models from Samsung for the iPhone 16 range. Apple had previously considered designing its own iPhone camera sensors but has only purchased CMOS image sensors (CIS) from Sony until now. According to The Elec, this is changing as Apple turns to Samsung following alleged issues with Sony for the iPhone 15 range.
Reportedly, delays from Sony in supplying its image sensors prompted Apple to ask Samsung to develop a CIS in late 2023. These delays caused problems for Apple’s iPhone 15 launch schedule.
Apple now fears a shortage of image sensors for the iPhone 16 range, partly due to the introduction of new technology. The new CIS system will have three separate wafers, reducing image noise and allowing for smaller pixels, compared to the current two-wafer system.
Using Samsung is expected to ensure sufficient quantities for the anticipated increased iPhone 16 orders. Samsung’s CIS is currently undergoing Apple’s final quality tests before the expected approval.
If Samsung’s CIS is approved, Sony will lose its status as the exclusive supplier of image sensors for the iPhone. Sony also recently lost its exclusive status as the screen provider for the Apple Vision Pro due to its refusal to increase production capacity.
The Elec is a reasonably reliable source of information on supply chain issues but has a mixed record in predicting Apple’s plans. This report appears more focused on the former.
Update July 3, 2024, 11:00 A.M. ET: A Samsung spokesperson told AppleInsider that the story in The Elec is false. While there was no specific denial of the claims, The Elec has pulled the article for review.