The relationship between Samsung and Apple is quite unique. Both compete in the high-end phone market, but Samsung also supplies the components that make the iPhone great. For example, Samsung Display is the largest supplier of OLED panels for the iPhone and will soon be the main supplier of OLED panels for future MacBooks.
Samsung also makes and sells image sensors. While Apple continues to source from Sony, it could turn to Samsung for components if it can produce something that improves the iPhone’s photography capabilities.
A similar sensor is also in the works for future Galaxy phones
A new leak on X reveals that Samsung is developing a triple-stacked image sensor for Apple in a PD-TR-Logic configuration. This sensor is said to be superior to Sony’s current Exmor RS and could be used as the main image sensor in future iPhone models.
Sony has been the main supplier of image sensors for the iPhone for years now. Getting into this supply chain could be lucrative for Samsung. Some analysts have speculated that Apple could use Samsung’s 48MP sensor in the iPhone 18 series. The latest rumor suggests that Apple could use several different Samsung image sensors.
What’s so special about triple-stacking technology? The chips are packaged together with the sensor, with a total of three chips stacked on top of each other. This should improve both the processing speed and the quality of the results, as the pixel values only need to travel a much shorter distance.
In theory, this should significantly improve the imaging capabilities of the new iPhone models. Some rumors suggest that the new sensors will appear in the iPhone 18 series, which is due to launch in 2026. However, you should take this information with a grain of salt. Previously, there were rumors that the iPhone 16 series would use Samsung sensors, which were completely false.
Of course, Samsung isn’t saving its latest tech just for Apple. It’s working on another triple-stacked 500MP sensor that will be featured in high-end Galaxy phones.