Samsung is known for developing a variety of smartphone camera sensors which is said to be used in its 200-megapixel camera in the upcoming Galaxy S25 Ultra. However, a new leak now suggests that the South Korean company may be pushing ahead with a new 500-megapixel sensor. Additionally, Samsung is said to be developing a three-layer image-stacked sensor for the iPhone. Samsung’s intended three-layer stacked sensor is rumored to be more advanced than the Sony Exmor RS image sensors currently used in Apple’s iPhone models.

Tipster Jukanlosreve (@Jukanlosreve) on X Claimed that Samsung is developing a 500-megapixel camera sensor for Galaxy devices. The company is simultaneously working on a three-layer stacked image sensor in a PD-TR-Logic configuration for Apple. The iPhone 18 series, which is expected to launch in 2026, could be Apple’s first phone to use a Samsung-made camera sensor.

The iPhone 18 may use Samsung’s camera sensors.

Currently, Sony is Apple’s primary supplier of CMOS image sensors (CIS). However, the tipster suggests that Samsung’s three-layer stacked sensor is more advanced than the Sony Exmor RS image sensor currently used on the iPhone. It is likely to be used for the main camera.

In July, TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claimed that Apple would replace Samsung-made Sony sensors in future iPhone models. The iPhone 18 series, which is expected to officially launch in 2026, is rumored to pack a new 48-megapixel sensor made by Samsung. It is believed to be a 1/2.6-inch sensor.

The iPhone 18 series is also expected to be the first lineup of Apple smartphones to feature variable aperture on its main camera. The lineup is said to run on the Apple A20 chipset, based on TSMC’s expensive next-generation 2-nanometer process. This year’s iPhone 17 Pro models are said to get the A19 Pro chip under the hood, while the standard iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air could run on an A18 or A19 chip.