Samsung Electronics is building its very first CMOS image sensor production line in the United States, and it is working directly with Apple to do it. The new factory will be located in Austin, Texas, and is expected to start operations in the Spring of next year, potentially in March. The move is part of Samsung's plans to produce advanced camera sensors called CMOS Image Sensors, which will be used in Apple's next year's iPhone 18 lineup.
Samsung will produce advanced image sensors for Apple’s iPhone 18 in Texas, helping both firms localize production in the U.S.
According to a new report from Financial Times, the new CMOS image sensor (CIS) will use a high-tech method called "3-stack hybrid bonding," which stacks three layers together, each for a different purpose. One layer will capture light, one for processing it, and the last one to convert it into digital signals. The new design will make the sensor smaller in size, improve its performance, and reduce the noise in photos, ultimately resulting in better low-light photography and videography, while keeping the details to a maximum.
At this stage, only Samsung and Sony have the technology to produce these kinds of sensors, and Apple has relied on the latter for iPhone cameras. However, the company's supply chain is looking to shift from Sony as it has reported several delays, pushing the Cupertino giant to build more of its technology in the United States. This has also resulted in Samsung jumping into the scene, as it will join Apple in the production of the same CMOS image sensors.
Apple has recently announced a massive $100 billion investment to expand its manufacturing and research efforts in the United States, raising the total planned budget to $600 billion. The company also confirmed that it is collaborating with Samsung, stating that the new chip technology would be introduced at the Austin facility. The chips will be designed to bolster both performance and efficiency for Apple devices. Here's how Apple described it:
"The world’s first innovative semiconductor manufacturing technology will be introduced at Samsung’s Austin, Texas fab," and added that Samsung "will produce chips that optimize the power efficiency and performance of Apple products, including the iPhone."
Samsung's decision to build a factory in Texas is also influenced by the new tax policies imposed by the United States on the import of semiconductors. By producing these chips locally, Samsung can avoid the hefty tariffs and become an even more important partner for Apple, which will also eradicate some supply chain constraints. An industry insider explained that Samsung's move has allowed the company to win a major deal with Apple. The company is also taking additional major decisions in the chip business, such as signing a large supply contract with Tesla.
Up until now, Sony has only produced its sensors in Japan, which is an unsuitable option for Apple and its goals to expand the supply chain in the United States. By producing image sensors locally, Samsung could gain a strong edge over Sony and become a long-term Apple supplier. In short, Samsung and Apple are joining forces in Texas, and this could mark the beginning of a major shift in how iPhones are made.
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