Samsung, Not Sony, To Manufacture iPhone 18’s Advanced Camera Sensors In Its Austin Factory: Report

By Shikhar Mehrotra • Updated On Dec 25, 2025

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TL; DR

Most recently, Samsung has installed production equipment for iPhone camera sensors at its existing facility and has posted job listings for electrical and mechanical technicians and engineers.
The report also discusses a new three-stack sensor design that Samsung will use for its sensors.
While Samsung has already informed the Austin City Council that it will spend $19 billion on the existing factory, sensor production is expected to begin in March 2026.

For the first time in a long while, Sony won’t be the sole supplier of camera sensors for Apple’s iPhones. According to a new report from the Korean publication The Elec, Samsung is preparing to manufacture the iPhone 18’s camera sensors at a factory in Austin, Texas.

Also Read: Samsung has reportedly killed the S26 Edge, but the iPhone Air 2 could still arrive in 2026

Samsung Steps In As Apple’s New Camera Sensor Partner

Most recently, Samsung has installed production equipment for iPhone camera sensors at its existing facility and has posted job listings for electrical and mechanical technicians and engineers.

The report also discusses a new three-stack sensor design that Samsung will use for its sensors. The manufacturing process will enable higher pixel density and improve low-light performance. Additional improvements include faster shutter speeds, higher dynamic range (due to vertical stacking of multiple sensors), and reduced power consumption.

Also Read: Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition Teased with Functional Physical Zoom Ring

When These Sensors Could Debut — And On Which iPhone Model

For years, Apple has relied solely on Sony for its CMOS image sensors. While this provides the company with consistency, it also creates a single point of dependency. Bringing Samsung into the mix reduces Apple’s reliance on a single supplier and offers tangible technical advantages.

While Samsung has already informed the Austin City Council that it will spend $19 billion on the existing factory, sensor production is expected to begin in March 2026.

You’d think the new sensor design would benefit the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models rumored to launch at the September 2026 event, but the report links them to the iPhone 18 model, due to launch in March 2027.

Also Read: OnePlus Turbo Live Images and Specs Leaked Ahead of Launch

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Shikhar Mehrotra

Shikhar Mehrotra is a seasoned technology writer and reviewer with over five years of experience covering consumer tech across India and global markets. At Smartprix, he has authored more than 1,700 articles, including news stories, features, comparisons, and product reviews spanning automobiles, smartphones, chipsets, wearables, laptops, home appliances, and operating systems. Shikhar has reviewed flagship devices such as the iPhone 16, Galaxy S25+, and Sennheiser HD 505 Open-Ear headphones. He also contributes regularly to Smartprix’s growing automotive section.

With a deep understanding of both iOS and Android ecosystems, Shikhar specializes in daily tech news, how-to explainers, product comparisons, and in-depth reviews. His DSLR photography in product reviews is recognized as among the best on the team.

Before joining Smartprix, Shikhar wrote for leading publications including Forbes Advisor India, Republic World, and ScreenRant. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication from Amity University, Lucknow.

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