Apple is testing superior CMOS picture sensors (CIS) from Samsung that would debut within the iPhone 16 later this 12 months, The Elec stories.
Apple is presently conducting a remaining high quality evaluation on CMOS picture sensors supplied by Samsung System LSI, the logic enterprise unit of Samsung, in keeping with the report. These sensors are slated to be used in the principle digital camera of the upcoming iPhone 16. Traditionally, Apple has completely sourced CIS for its iPhones from Sony, however current developments are stated to point a strategic pivot away from the Japanese provider attributable to issues about reliability and the necessity to incorporate new applied sciences into its digital camera system.
The choice to have interaction Samsung is alleged to stem from points Apple confronted with Sony final 12 months. Apple requested that Samsung start the event of recent picture sensors in 2023 after Sony did not ship them in a sufficiently well timed method, which contributed to difficulties in setting a launch date for the iPhone 15. If Samsung passes the continuing high quality checks, will probably be the primary time the corporate provides an iPhone CIS.
The brand new picture sensor developed by Samsung encompasses a extra superior three-wafer stack design. These three wafers every home distinct parts: the photodiode, transistors, and analog digital converter logics. In distinction, present and former iPhone picture sensors have a two-stack design that mixes the photodiode and transistors on a single wafer.
In a CIS, the photodiode converts mild into electrical indicators, whereas 4 transistors are accountable for transferring, amplifying, studying, and erasing these indicators. The separation of those parts into three wafers permits for increased pixel density, decreased noise, and smaller pixel sizes.
The brand new know-how employs wafer-to-wafer hybrid bonding, which attaches these wafers immediately via a copper pad, eliminating the necessity for signal-transferring bumps. This permits the CIS to be smaller and will increase information switch speeds.
The iPhone 16 lineup is broadly anticipated to be introduced within the fall with new digital camera options reminiscent of a devoted “Seize” button, a 48-megapixel Extremely Vast digital camera, and extra.