A major shift in Apple’s iPhone camera technology could come soon, as it partners with Samsung to manufacture advanced image sensors at a Texas facility for the first time, according to new reports. They stem from Wednesday’s big news from the White House about the iPhone giant’s new US manufacturing program.
“By bringing this technology to the US first, this facility will supply chips that optimize power and performance of Apple products, including iPhone devices shipped all over the world,” Apple said.
Previously, Apple worked exclusively with Sony on iPhone camera sensors, including its recent 48MP sensors. Now, it may use more advanced 200MP Samsung sensors — perhaps as soon as iPhone 18 drops in 2026.
3-layer sensor technology in 200MP Samsung cameras in iPhone 18
The move represents Apple’s biggest departure yet from its longstanding exclusive relationship with Sony for iPhone camera components, according to reports in Financial Times and elsewhere. As part of Apple’s $600 billion US manufacturing investment, the company will work with Samsung at its Austin, Texas fabrication facility to produce next-generation camera sensors using groundbreaking technology never deployed commercially before.
The sensors in question are three-layer stacked image sensors that promise significant improvements over current iPhone cameras. This advanced architecture enables higher pixel density and dramatically better low-light performance by vertically stacking multiple sensor layers. The technology also delivers faster readout speeds, reduced power consumption and expanded dynamic range compared to traditional flat sensors.
Discussions between Apple and Samsung began in 2024, with the partnership agreement finalized this year, Korean blog DealSite said. Mass production is scheduled to begin in March 2026, positioning these new sensors for inclusion in the iPhone 18 lineup expected later that year.
Massive pixel count increase expected
The partnership could bring Samsung’s 200-megapixel camera technology to iPhones, representing more than a four-fold increase from the current 48-megapixel sensors used in iPhone models. Samsung already employs 200-megapixel main cameras in its flagship Galaxy devices, giving the Korean manufacturer a significant advantage in high-resolution mobile photography.
While Sony is reportedly developing its own competing 200-megapixel sensors, Apple appears to have grown impatient with the Japanese supplier’s timeline. The shift to Samsung suggests Apple recognizes its current camera specifications are falling behind competitors as smartphone displays continue improving and users demand higher-quality images for both viewing and printing.
Strategic manufacturing shift
Samsung’s System LSI division will supply the sensors, while its foundry division handles mass production. The Austin facility is already beginning preparations for initial production tests. That follows Apple’s typical timeline of starting component validation and volume manufacturing well in advance of product launches.
This manufacturing change aligns with Apple’s broader strategy to diversify its supply chain and increase domestic production capabilities. The iPhone 17 series launching this September will still rely on Sony sensors, most likely making the iPhone 18 the first to benefit from this new US-based production partnership.
David Snow, an expert on Apple hardware and software, writes on a variety of technological and cultural topics for Cult of Mac. They include Apple news, technology buying guides, and features about computer setups and Apple TV shows and movies.
With 30 years of experience covering technology and other subjects, he has written and edited for numerous print and online publications, including CMP Media, TechTV.com, CNET, Wired News, Red Herring magazine, Law.com, The National Law Journal and Law Technology News magazine. Among other roles, he served as executive editor of the Law.com network of websites and editorial director, technology, for ALM Media.
Snow graduated with a B.A. from Syracuse University with majors in magazine journalism and psychology. While there, he worked as a reporter for The Daily Orange newspaper and associate editor of Equal Time magazine.
Founder of the blog At the Waterline, he can be reached on X (formerly Twitter) via @atthewaterline and on Mastodon via @dsnow.
