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Samsung is reportedly gearing up to manufacture advanced camera sensors for Apple’s future iPhones at its semiconductor facility in Austin, Texas, a move that could mark a significant shift in Apple’s long-standing supply chain strategy. If confirmed, the development would see Apple source iPhone image sensors from a supplier other than Sony for the first time.
According to reports from South Korean publication The Elec, Samsung is expanding its US operations to support local production of next-generation image sensors, underlining the growing importance of American-based manufacturing in the global semiconductor industry.
Next-Gen Stacked Sensor Technology
The camera sensors being prepared for production are said to feature a three-layer stacked architecture, an advanced design that vertically integrates multiple layers of circuitry. This approach is expected to deliver notable improvements in image quality, including higher pixel density, faster data processing, better low-light performance, and improved power efficiency compared to conventional camera sensors.
Such stacked sensor technology has not yet been mass-produced at scale, making the project a key technical milestone for Samsung’s semiconductor division. If successfully implemented, the new sensors could play a major role in enhancing photography and videography capabilities in future iPhones.
Major Investment and Expansion in Austin
To support the project, Samsung is reportedly upgrading its existing Austin facility and has begun recruiting engineers, technicians, and management staff to operate the new production line. The company has also informed local authorities of plans to invest approximately $19 billion into the site, highlighting the scale and long-term nature of the expansion.
Production of the new sensors is expected to begin as early as March, following the installation and testing of manufacturing equipment. The Austin plant is already a key part of Samsung’s US semiconductor footprint, and the expansion would further strengthen its role in advanced chip production.
iPhone 18 Could Debut New Sensors
The advanced camera sensors are widely believed to be destined for Apple’s iPhone 18 lineup, which is expected to launch in the first half of 2027. Reports suggest Apple finalised an agreement with Samsung earlier this year to secure the supply of these components.
If the partnership moves forward as expected, it will represent a strategic diversification of Apple’s supply chain, reducing reliance on a single supplier and increasing the role of US-based manufacturing. For Samsung, the deal would be a major win, positioning the company as a key player in next-generation mobile imaging technology.
As smartphone makers continue to focus on camera innovation as a key differentiator, the collaboration could shape the next phase of mobile photography.
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