Phones
Sorry Sony, Apple iPhone set to use 48MP Samsung camera
After OLED, Samsung is entering Apple’s CIS supply chain. Ming-Chi Kuo today revealed that Samsung could start shipping 48MP camera for Apple iPhone models as early as 2026. It’s a big blow to Apple’s conventional image supplier, Sony.
For years, Sony has dominated Apple’s iPhone camera supply chain. The entry of Samsung in the Apple iPhone 48MP camera supply is certain in early 2026. The source mentioned that Samsung had to form a dedicated team to serve Apple.
As Samsung’s supply could start in 2026, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 may still use Sony sensors. As the Korean tech giant preps for supply, Apple may have considered completing its agreement/contract with Sony for the iPhone camera.
Ming-Chi Kuo’s article reads:
- Samsung 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 supplying CIS to Apple. To this end, Samsung has established a dedicated team to serve Apple.
The gap of nearly two years would result in some changes in camera supply. The iPhone maker may also opt for a multi-vendor strategy to freeze prices. Having more than a single supply chain partner empowers the manufacturer during price negotiation.
Kuo notes that Samsung will supply a 1/2.6-inch image sensor for iPhone. The product will have a 48-megapixel resolution. It will likely be used as an ultra-wide camera in future iPhones, while others will still be from Sony.
Apple iPhone 16 uses ARM V9 chip architecture, eyeing AI market, FT reports. The new iPhone models are said to use next-generation chip based on Arm’s latest design architecture to adapt features derived from artificial intelligence.
The Cupertino-based tech giant is scheduled to launch the iPhone 16 on Monday, September 9. iPhone 16’s Pro and Pro Max variants will use new A18 chipset. The company is reportedly opting for SoftBank-owned ARM’s new V9 chip design.
It’s worth noting that Apple uses ARM V9 architecture in M4 processors for MacBook. Google and Samsung aggressively innovating the mobile AI segment. Both companies continue to ship their flagship phones with new AI tricks and features.
Apple is facing multi-sided heat, with the Chinese market continuing to decline. Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series also secured impressive response pushed by AI capabilities. The iPhone maker doesn’t want to lag behind its rivals in the AI Phone market.
Apple Intelligence
iPhones getting on-device AI features given Apple’s partnership with OpenAI. There were rumors that Google is in contact to debut Gemini AI on iPhones. However, the deal hasn’t been finalized due to unforeseen reasons.
Apple Intelligence is Apple’s answer to Samsung’s Galaxy AI. The suite of AI features includes a smarter Siri, custom emoji generation, and AI-based photo editing capabilities, as well as a partnership with OpenAI fo free free ChatGPT access.
The US tech giant solidified its software end with an OpenAI partnership. Now, the hardware upgrade by ARM V9 will further improve AI experience on iPhone 16. We will hear more about hardware upgrades during It’s Glowtime event on Monday.
Huawei is all set to launch the world’s first tri-fold foldable smartphone. The company just dropped a bombing teaser, confirming its mega launch event. This massive development comes when Samsung stalls and Apple remains foldable-free.
Samsung showcased tri-fold screen prototype devices on many occasions. It was expected to debut the world’s first triple-screen foldable smartphone. However, Huawei is all set to attain this crown beating Samsung and other vendors.
Huawei confirmed its next hardware launch event taking place on September 10. It’s right a day after Apple’s iPhone 16 unveiling scheduled for September 9. Tri-fold could significantly harm Apple’s presence in the Chinese market.
In addition, Huawei Consumer Business Group Chairman – Yu Chengdong said the company’s most leading, innovative, and disruptive product is coming.
“After 5 years of persistence and investment, we have turned science fiction into reality. Please look forward to Huawei’s pinnacle work!”
Tri-fold concept previously showcased a device having screens on three sides. The phone will have two hinges, allowing users to expand all three displays. The current foldable features a single hinge in the middle, offering a tablet-like screen size.
Beyond that, the tri-fold phone would offer an even larger screen in a more portable size. Software-derived features could further enhance usability, with one panel being used as a keyboard and others as screen and standing support.
Durability still remains the main concern in this kind of innovative device. Foldable phones launched by Samsung and Huawei are gradually entering the mainstream. However, consumers still refrain from preferring foldable as their next upgrade.
Huawei’s tri-fold could remain a China-exclusive product. Samsung may also come up with its tri-fold handset in the near future. The Display department has worked enough on the panel, but the Mobile division hasn’t yet approved development.
Apple is launching the iPhone 16 series next month but Samsung’s biggest challenge could come in 2025. Apple analyst recently shed light on expected specifications of the next year’s iPhone models, pointing to some notable upgrades.
Ming-Chi Kuo leak suggests the iPhone 17 Pro Max could be Samsung’s biggest challenge in 2025. The high-end device could be equipped with 12GB RAM and upgraded cooling technology – Vapor Chamber combined with graphite sheets.
Bigger RAM will improve the overall performance of the most expensive iPhone next year. In addition, the upgraded vapor chamber cooling technology will offer enhanced thermal dissipation, ultimately improving the user experience.
Samsung’s various Galaxy devices have been using vapor chamber cooling tech for years. Despite using a dedicated thermal management component, Android flagships lag behind Apple’s iPhone models in performance and efficiency.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra coming early next year should get a better cooling component. Apple could be adopting the technology years after Android. Hence, a mature and stable performing thermal management is likely in the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Qualcomm is fueling the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 with on-device AI and Oryon CPU. The chip may consume more power than previous ones to offer better performance. It would be interesting to see how the chip designer handled the thermal management.
Other iPhone models of the lineup alongside the SE could use 8GB RAM. These handsets are unlikely to feature upgraded vapor chamber cooling technology. The Pro Max could remain the most-selling iPhone in 2025 as well, seizing around 40% share.
Apple’s going to ship the first iPhones pre-loaded with AI-powered features. The next year’s lineup could introduce notable upgrades in the AI segment. It would make the iPhone 17 Pro Max a major selling point in the global market.