Tipster suggests Apple could move away from using exclusively Sony camera sensors in 2026
(Image credit: Future)
According to renowned Apple tipster Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is supposedly set to diversify its supplier of image sensors to be used in future iPhones. Presently Apple relies exclusively on Sony for its sensor supply, but with the upcoming iPhone 18 - expected to launch in the fall of 2026 - it's claimed Apple will use Samsung image sensors, specifically a 48 MP 1/2.6" chip that'll supposedly form the basis of the iPhone 18's ultrawide module.
Though we've become accustomed to the use of Sony sensors in recent iPhones, it's likely the switch to Samsung chips will have little, if any, discernible impact on camera image quality versus an equivalent Sony sensor. The best camera phones rely far more on advanced image processing than physical sensor hardware to determine final image quality, so we'd expect Apple to retain its signature image look for the iPhone 18, regardless of who makes the camera's sensor.
The main benefit for Apple here is of course diversifying its sensor provider. By playing Samsung off against Sony it can potentially reduce production costs, as well as mitigating against potential supply chain issues which could potentially arise if it were dependent on a sole sensor manufacturer.
Ben is the Imaging Labs manager, responsible for all the testing on Digital Camera World and across the entire photography portfolio at Future. Whether he's in the lab testing the sharpness of new lenses, the resolution of the latest image sensors, the zoom range of monster bridge cameras or even the latest camera phones, Ben is our go-to guy for technical insight. He's also the team's man-at-arms when it comes to camera bags, filters, memory cards, and all manner of camera accessories – his lab is a bit like the Batcave of photography! With years of experience trialling and testing kit, he's a human encyclopedia of benchmarks when it comes to recommending the best buys.
