Samsung camera supply delays iPhone 18 launch into next year

Apple delayed the launch of the base iPhone 18 to early next year to allow Samsung more time to produce camera sensors, Semiconportal reported.

Apple did not unveil the base iPhone 18 at its September event; the delay had circulated online for months and was initially attributed to rising memory prices and supply chain bottlenecks.

Sony long served as the primary supplier of CMOS image sensors for iPhones, but its exclusive deal with Apple ends this year. Apple struck a deal with Samsung last year to source camera sensor chips for future iPhones.

Samsung began prototyping new high-performance camera sensors for the iPhone in spring, which pushed mass production into fall.

To secure sufficient supply for the base iPhone 18, Apple decided to stagger the release and move the launch to early next year, the report said.

Apple is shifting to a dual-supplier strategy that preserves Sony in its supply chain even as Sony's decade-long near-monopoly ends.

The dual-supplier approach serves two objectives. First, it aligns with Apple’s American Manufacturing Program, with Samsung producing the new camera sensor chips at its Texas facility. This initiative is part of Apple’s pledge, announced last year, to invest $100 billion in US manufacturing.

Second, the model creates price competition; it should help lower component costs for future iPhones but is unlikely to reduce the retail price of the iPhone 18 because of rising memory costs and chip fabrication expenses.

Holding back the base iPhone 18 did not appear to hurt Apple’s near-term results; the company recorded its highest September quarter revenue to date.