A major change could be coming to Apple’s iPhone supply chain as Samsung moves closer to producing high end camera sensors in the United States. The South Korean company is reportedly preparing to manufacture advanced image sensors at its facility in Austin Texas, marking a new phase in its partnership with Apple and a significant expansion of its US operations.
The sensors under development are expected to use a 3-layer stacked design, a next generation technology that vertically stacks multiple circuit layers. This approach can deliver higher pixel density, faster data processing, better low light performance and improved power efficiency compared with traditional camera sensors. The technology has not yet been produced at large scale, making the project an important technical step for Samsung’s semiconductor business.
To support the plan, Samsung is said to be upgrading its existing Austin facility and has started hiring engineers, technicians and management staff. Earlier this month, the company reportedly informed the local administration about an investment of around $19 billion for the site. Production could begin as early as March, once equipment installation and testing are completed.
The new sensors are believed to be planned for the iPhone 18 series, which is widely expected to launch in the first half of 2027. Apple is said to have finalised an agreement with Samsung in August to secure supply. If confirmed, this would be the first time Apple sources iPhone image sensors from a company other than its long time Japanese supplier, which has so far exclusively made these components. The move points to a broader strategy by Apple to diversify its supply chain and increase the role of US based manufacturing, while giving Samsung a strong position in future mobile imaging technology.
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