A major iPhone camera upgrade has reportedly been delayed. According to supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is not expected to debut Samsung’s 48-megapixel Ultra Wide camera sensor until 2027. That shifts the anticipated hardware change from the iPhone 18 lineup in 2026 to the iPhone 19 series.
The update is notable because Sony has long been Apple’s exclusive supplier of iPhone camera sensors. A move toward Samsung would mark a significant shift in Apple’s supply chain strategy, providing more competition in an area that has remained unchanged for years. Samsung is already a major Apple partner in areas like OLED displays and memory components, so cameras would be a natural next step.
Kuo first reported in July 2024 that Apple was preparing to use Samsung’s 48MP sensor in 2026. But in his latest note, he revised the forecast, suggesting that mass production is not expected until the following year. This could also mean the sensor makes its debut in an iPhone 18e model in early 2027, though current e-series phones do not feature an Ultra Wide lens.
The component in question is a three-layer stacked image sensor. Unlike traditional sensors, this design vertically stacks multiple layers, boosting pixel density and improving performance in low-light conditions. The stacked structure also enables a higher dynamic range and reduces power consumption, which could translate into better battery efficiency alongside improved photography.
Last month, Apple confirmed that Samsung will manufacture these advanced sensors at its facility in Texas. Reports described the technology as key to next-generation imaging, with the potential to enhance detail, balance lighting, and expand photo quality in challenging conditions.
Although the timeline has slipped, the implications are clear. The iPhone 19 could represent one of the most significant leaps in camera hardware since Apple first introduced larger sensors on its Pro models. The change would also diversify Apple’s reliance on Sony, opening the door for competitive pricing and accelerated innovation in imaging technology.
For now, the spotlight remains on Apple’s “Awe dropping” event tomorrow, where the iPhone 17 lineup will be unveiled. But just as the new generation arrives, rumors about what comes next continue to set the stage for the future of iPhone photography.
