Apple is changing its camera supply chain for the iPhone 18 Pro.

A noteworthy piece of information has just emerged suggesting that at least some of the camera sensors on the iPhone 18 Pro will be manufactured in the US, specifically at Samsung's factory in Austin, Texas.

This is seen as a strategic move by Apple to diversify its supply chain and apply advanced image sensor technology to the next generation of iPhones.

Apple changes its camera supply chain for the iPhone 18 Pro - image 1 — Image source: 9to5mac

Samsung is preparing to manufacture camera sensors for Apple.

According to industry sources, Samsung is expected to begin producing image sensors for Apple around March, suggesting these components are likely intended specifically for the iPhone 18 Pro. Notably, Samsung's Austin plant is not a new facility, but it has never previously handled camera sensor production.

A recent report indicates that Samsung is preparing to install specialized production lines and equipment to manufacture CMOS (CIS) image sensors for Apple. The company has also begun recruiting for mechanical and electrical project management positions to support the installation and operation of the new production system in Texas.

Advanced triple-layer stacked sensor technology

The most noteworthy aspect lies in the hybrid wafer bonding technology, where three wafer layers are stacked on top of each other. This is the same type of stacked three-layer camera sensor that has been mentioned in numerous previous reports – a technology believed to have helped Samsung secure a portion of Apple's camera sensor orders, which had long been almost exclusively supplied by Sony.

Stacked sensors allow signal processing circuits to be mounted directly behind the sensor surface, rather than being arranged separately as in traditional designs. With a three-layer structure, the number of circuits is significantly increased, resulting in faster image data processing and improved responsiveness during shooting and video recording.

Furthermore, this design also has the ability to reduce noise, enhance detail, and improve overall image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions – a factor that Apple always prioritizes in its high-end iPhone models.

The iPhone 18 Pro prioritizes new technologies.

Given the projected production timeline and the level of sensor sophistication, it's highly likely the new camera technology will first appear on the two iPhone 18 Pro models. Meanwhile, the standard iPhone 18 is expected to launch in the spring, making it unlikely to be equipped with this sensor in time.

Traditionally, Apple prioritizes the latest camera technologies for its Pro line before expanding them to the mainstream versions in later generations. If the information above is accurate, the iPhone 18 Pro will not only offer significant upgrades in photography but also mark a new milestone as some key components will be manufactured in the United States.

This move is expected to help Apple increase its proactive role in the supply chain, while also opening up new competition between Samsung and Sony in the high-end camera sensor market for smartphones.

According to 9to5mac

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