iPhone 16 Camera Might Feature New Samsung CMOS Image Sensor: Report

Apple could procure camera sensors from Samsung instead of Sony for the first time this year, if the former passes the iPhone maker's quality test.

Written by Shaurya Tomer, Edited by David Delima | Updated: 3 July 2024 12:08 IST

iPhone 16 Camera Might Feature New Samsung CMOS Image Sensor: Report

Photo Credit: Unsplash/Amanz

iPhone 16 Pro models are also speculated to get new 48-megapixel ultra-wide cameras

Highlights

Apple is reported to have chosen Samsung as its CMOS sensor supplier
The new image sensor may debut with the iPhone 16 series later this year
iPhone 16 Pro models may also get new 48-megapixel ultra-wide cameras

iPhone 16 is expected to launch within the next few months and details of its various components have recently surfaced online. According to a recent report, the Cupertino technology firm may adopt a new CMOS image sensor made by Samsung for its upcoming smartphone models. This sensor is tipped to have a three-wafer design with advantages over the existing sensor in the iPhone 15 series. If the claims are accurate, Samsung could become Apple's second supplier for camera sensors, alongside Sony.

iPhone 16 could feature Samsung CMOS image sensor

The Elec reports that Apple is conducting final quality assessments of a new image CMOS image sensor (CIS) supplied by Samsung. This potential shift from Sony to Samsung is said to be due to delays faced by the Cupertino-based tech giant in receiving the image sensors last year, which resulted in difficulties in setting the iPhone 15 launch date.

Apple is looking to incorporating new technologies in its camera system, following the advancements made by its competitors, according to the report, which adds that separation of the sensor's internal components may result in higher pixel density, smaller pixel sizes, and reduced noise.

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Samsung was reportedly contacted by Apple to develop the CMOS sensor for the iPhone, which is now undergoing quality tests. This sensor is reported to have a three-wafer stack design, each wafer housing distinct elements.

On the other hand, previous iPhone models have featured sensors with a two-wafer stack design, with transistors and photodiodes on the same wafer. Samsung's sensor may feature wafers attached using a process known as wafer-to-wafer hybrid bonding through a copper pad, according to the publication.

iPhone 16 Pro to feature upgraded ultra-wide angle

iPhone 16 Pro models are also reported to feature 48-megapixel ultra-wide cameras, a considerable upgrade over the existing 12-megapixel sensors. Furthermore, the iPhone 16 Pro is tipped to adopt the tetraprism lens which debuted with the iPhone 15 Pro Max, enabling support for 5x optical zoom using the telephoto camera.

Apple is also speculated to introduce a new anti-reflective optical coating technology known as atomic layer deposition (ALD) to its cameras. However, it is unclear if this would come to the iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, or both handsets.

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iPhone 15

REVIEW
KEY SPECS
NEWS

Design
Display
Software
Performance
Battery Life
Camera
Value for Money

Good
Big upgrades over the 14
Excellent ergonomics, build quality
Very good all-round performance
Apple ecosystem benefits

Bad
Relatively slow charging
Expensive
Still a 60Hz display

Read detailed Apple iPhone 15 review

Display 6.10-inch

Processor Apple A16 Bionic

Front Camera 12-megapixel

Rear Camera 48-megapixel + 12-megapixel

RAM 6GB

Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB

OS iOS 17

Resolution 1179x2556 pixels

More Apple mobiles Apple mobiles price in India

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max

REVIEW
KEY SPECS
NEWS

Design
Display
Software
Performance
Battery Life
Camera
Value for Money

Good
Excellent display
USB Type-C
AAA gaming
Excellent all-round performance
Good primary and telephoto camera
Customisable Action Button

Bad
Gets hot quickly when stressed
Slow wired charging
Expensive

Read detailed Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max review

Display 6.70-inch

Processor Apple A17 Pro

Front Camera 12-megapixel

Rear Camera 48-megapixel + 12-megapixel + 12-megapixel

RAM 8GB

Storage 256GB, 512GB, 1TB

OS iOS 17

Resolution 1290x2796 pixels

More Apple mobiles Apple mobiles price in India

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Shaurya Tomer

Email Shaurya Tomer

Shaurya Tomer is a Sub Editor at Gadgets 360 with 2 years of experience across a diverse spectrum of topics. With a particular focus on smartphones, gadgets and the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), he often likes to explore the industry's intricacies and innovations – whether dissecting the latest smartphone release or exploring the ethical implications of AI advancements. In his free time, he often embarks on impromptu road trips to unwind, recharge, and ...More