The 2026 iPhone models are said to use a new image sensor manufactured by Samsung.
According to renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the 2026 iPhone models will be equipped with a new 48MP 1/2.6-inch ultra-wide CMOS image sensor (CIS) manufactured by Samsung. This will break Sony's multi-year monopoly as Apple's CIS supplier, according to MacRumors.
Writing in a short report posted on X (formerly Twitter), Kuo said that Samsung has set up a dedicated team within the company to research camera components with the specific aim of supplying them to Apple.
For many years, Apple has exclusively used CIS for iPhone lines from supplier Sony. However, recent developments suggest that Apple is planning to change its camera sensor supplier due to reliability concerns and the need to integrate new technology into Apple's camera system.
If the 2026 production roadmap goes as planned, Apple could use Samsung-made image sensors in the camera system on the iPhone 18 line. However, Ming-Chi Kuo did not disclose information about the main and telephoto cameras, which suggests that Sony will likely continue to produce these sensors and there is no reason for Apple to change this.