Samsung Electronics is now ordered to deliver 4,000 wafers per month for CMOS Image Sensors (CIS) from Apple, which is approximately four times the initial order quantity.
Initially, Apple gave an order for CMOS Image Sensors (CIS) to Samsung Electronics to supply 1,000 wafers per month; however, now it has quadrupled the order to as many as 4,000 wafers. However, this initial volume still seems small.
According to the report, the start of mass production is slightly delayed from the previously fixed plan. It’s expected that Apple will expand the supply volume once full-scale mass production begins. The present figure is also subject to change based on Apple’s circumstances. Apple’s iPhones are equipped with at least four CIS, including one on the front and three on the back.
With this CIS order, Samsung returns to Apple’s supply chain after a decade; however, its mass production of CIS is delayed from the original plan of March next year to late next year or early 2027. One of the key reasons behind this delay is that Samsung is taking time to ensure the quality of the CIS for the iPhone.
In case mass production is delayed, it’s pretty hard to expect the “iPhone 18 effect” from Apple’s next model in the near future. Reportedly, Samsung is currently confirmed to be focusing on developing a 50MP CIS for the iPhone. Regarding this, an industry insider said, “I understand that Samsung Electronics is currently developing a 50-megapixel product. Apple prioritizes stability over introducing new technologies in a short period of time,” adding, “There won’t be any major technical difficulties in expanding to 200 million pixels in the future.”
