Samsung is reportedly updating its Texas factory to build camera sensors for the iPhone 18

Apple’s iPhone 18 could be equipped with camera sensors made by Samsung in Texas.

According to a report by TheElec, Samsung has recently informed the Austin City Council of plans to invest $19 billion in its existing Texas facility. Sources cited in the report claim that the investment is tied to a deal with Apple to supply CMOS image sensors for future iPhones.

The sensors are said to feature an advanced three-stack design, in which multiple sensor layers are vertically stacked to achieve higher pixel density, enhanced low-light performance, higher dynamic range, faster readout speeds, and lower power consumption.

TheElec’s report aligns with analyst Ming-Chi Kuo’s earlier prediction that Sony will eventually lose its long-standing position as Apple’s sole image sensor supplier. Kuo has suggested that Samsung could begin supplying image sensors for the iPhone as early as 2026.

Beyond diversifying suppliers to strengthen supply chain resilience, domestic production of another critical iPhone component would also help Apple align more closely with US President Trump’s “Made in US” policy.

Source: TheElec via MacRumors