Apple’s iPhone will begin using a new 1/2.6-inch 48MP Ultra Wide CMOS image sensor (CIS) made by Samsung as early as 2026, according to Apple industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. If Kuo is correct, the move will break a years-long monopoly enjoyed by Sony as Apple’s sole CIS supplier.
Kuo’s comments come in a brief report published on X (formerly Twitter). Kuo says Samsung has already formed a team dedicated to working on the new camera components solely to supply Apple.
Sony has been the sole CIS supplier for Apple’s iPhones for several years. However, recent reports have indicated that there have been some reliability concerns with the components being provided to Apple. Plus, Apple is always in search of new technology that can be integrated into the iPhone’s camera system.
If Apple does indeed turn to Samsung for its image sensors for the 2026 iPhone means we’ll likely see them in the iPhone 18 lineup.