Apple Inc. likely won't use Samsung's new camera sensor
Apple's latest iPhones. Image credit: Apple.
the
Samsung
(NASDAQOTH: SSNLF)
Galaxy S7 has one of the best, if not the best, camera you can find on a mobile device. This performance is largely enabled by the new sensors of the two
sony
(
NYSE:SONY
)
as well as Samsung itself (Samsung appears to be functionally equivalent dual-source sensors for the S7).
An article from
BGR
raises the possibility that the next
Apple
(
NASDAQ:AAPL
)
iPhone 7/7 Plus could use the same rear camera sensors used in the Galaxy S7 (or, at least, one of them).
I think this is highly unlikely. Here's why.
As far as I know, Sony makes custom sensors for Apple
For many generations of products, Apple has used image sensors from Sony, widely regarded as the market leader in such sensors. However, from what I can tell, Apple does not appear to be using "off-the-shelf" image sensors from Sony, but rather working with the Japanese company to have sensors built to Apple's specifications.
Indeed, it is worth it. noting that over the past few years, Apple appears to have hired many sensor specialists from many established sensor manufacturers such as OmniVision and Aptina. This may suggest that Apple engineers are working hand in hand with Sony engineers to create highly customized, Apple-exclusive image sensors.
Apple will likely continue to work with Sony; Partnership with Samsung seems unlikely
Going forward, I expect Apple to continue working with Sony on iPhone image sensors for the foreseeable future. Even if Samsung ended up exhibiting the same technical prowess in such products as Sony does today, there are obvious business relationship issues that would likely make such a collaboration unlikely.
Indeed, Apple already relies on Samsung to manufacture a large part of the A9 chips in the iPhone 6s/6s Plus and it is rumored that Apple may soon rely on Samsung for at least some iPhone screens, according to
some reports
.
Given Apple's already heavy reliance on Samsung for critical components, it may not be wise for Apple to increase its reliance on this competitor. On the contrary, it is probably in Apple's interest to ensure that its non-Samsung suppliers continue to obtain substantial business so that they can further fund the development of competitive products and technologies.
Interestingly and unsurprisingly, KGI Ming-Chi Kuo of Securities recently suggested that Sony would actually supply the two 12-megapixel sensors that are expected to be used in Apple's dual-lens variant of the iPhone 7 Plus.
It will be interesting to see what Apple and Sony offer
In terms of camera performance, the current generation iPhone 6s/6s Plus is behind what the Samsung Galaxy S7 can do. Given how important camera image quality seems to be to Apple, and given that Apple is expected to use current-gen iPhone 6s/6s Plus sensors in the upcoming 9.7-inch iPad Pro, I strongly believe that Apple is planning a big improvement in camera quality. .
It remains to be seen what the specs of the camera sensor will eventually be in the iPhone 7, but I don't think Apple will use either of the sensors used in the S7. It's more likely to be a custom-designed sensor to meet Apple's needs.
For Apple's sake, let's hope those needs match up with an unequivocal camera subsystem.