Apple has been using Sony’s camera sensors for the longest time. However, recently, rumors have started doing the rounds claiming that this may soon change. Last year, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said that with the iPhone 18 (to be released in 2026), Sony may change the camera sensor pattern. And now, a new leak supports this story. The most recent reports indicate that Samsung is developing a 3-layer stacked camera sensor for Apple, which is expected to improve the performance of upcoming iPhone cameras.

Samsung camera sensor for iPhone 18

The leakster, @Jukanlosreve, claimed on X (formerly Twitter) that Samsung will replace the Sony camera sensor. He said that Samsung is currently working on a 3-layer stacked image sensor for Apple.

Samsung is said to be planning a three-layer configuration for its processor, which will be on the front of the sensor. The PD-TR-logic setup mentioned refers to the following layers: photodiode layer (PD), transfer layer (TR), and Logic layer.

The photodiode layer initially captures the light, while the transfer layer is responsible for reducing noise – this aspect is reportedly new to Samsung’s sensor. Finally, the logic layer handles the iPhone’s computational photography.

Similarly, Kuo has also made a similar claim. He said Samsung is expected to make at least one sensor for the iPhone 18 in 2026.

He added, “SSamsung is expected to begin shipping 1/2.6-inch 48MP ultra-wide CMOS image sensors (CIS) to Apple for iPhones as early as 2026, breaking Sony’s years-long monopoly on CIS supplies to Apple . To this end, Samsung has established a dedicated team to serve Apple.”

iPhone 18: What do we know so far?

Recent leaks claim that Apple is aiming to bring bezel-less displays to at least one model of the iPhone 18 series.

This would mean that the entire front of the phone will have a smooth, continuous display with no visible bezels or edges. Although Apple released the iPhone in 2017

Another leak suggests that the iPhone 18 series will be entering the foldable phone world.

iPhone 18 is supposed to be launched in 2026, but there is no official notification yet.