Apple’s future iPhones may be headed for a significant photography upgrade, and the change could come from an unexpected partner. New reports indicate that Samsung is preparing to supply advanced image sensors for Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 lineup, signalling a possible shift in Apple’s long-standing camera strategy and opening the door to meaningful improvements in image quality.

According to a report by a famous publication, Samsung is gearing up to manufacture these sensors at its semiconductor facility in Austin, Texas. The company is reportedly fast-tracking preparations, with specialised equipment expected to be installed soon. Job postings for engineers, technicians and managerial roles connected to the project have already appeared, suggesting that the groundwork for a new production line is well underway.

What sets this development apart is the technology Samsung is expected to use. The sensors are said to feature a three-stack design, an advanced form of stacked image sensor architecture. This method vertically layers different sensor components, allowing manufacturers to increase pixel density without expanding the physical size of the sensor. In practical terms, this could translate into improved low-light photography, faster image capture, enhanced dynamic range and lower power consumption. The approach has seen limited commercial use so far, making it a potentially significant step forward for smartphone camera systems if adopted at scale.

Adding weight to the reports, Samsung earlier informed the Austin city council of its intention to invest around $19 billion into its local facility. While the new sensor production line could become operational as early as March, large-scale output would likely ramp up gradually. The sensors are believed to be designed specifically for Apple, with reports claiming that a supply agreement between the two companies was finalised in August.

If these plans materialise, the iPhone 18—widely expected to launch in the first half of 2027—could become the first iPhone to use Samsung-made camera sensors. This would represent a major shift for Apple, which has relied exclusively on Sony for iPhone image sensors for years. Currently, Sony produces these sensors in Japan, with final delivery handled through TSMC. Moving part of this supply chain to the United States would mark a notable strategic change for Apple.

Camera upgrades may be only one part of a broader evolution planned for the iPhone 18 lineup. Reports suggest Apple could debut its next-generation C2 modem, promising improved wireless performance. Additionally, The Information claims Apple is exploring expanded satellite connectivity. Unlike current features limited to emergencies and basic messaging, future iPhones could potentially support full satellite calling and data access in areas without cellular coverage.

On the performance side, the iPhone 18 series is expected to introduce Apple’s new A20 processor. The chips are rumoured to use a Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module (WMCM) process, integrating RAM directly with the CPU, GPU and Neural Engine. This design could lead to better efficiency, faster speeds and overall performance gains.

Finally, Apple may also rethink its launch strategy. Instead of unveiling all models in September, reports suggest a staggered release. Bloomberg has indicated that Pro models and a foldable iPhone could arrive in fall, while standard models may launch in early 2027.