Apple and Samsung Electronics are reportedly focusing on upgrading the cameras for their upcoming flagship smartphones.
These high-performance cameras, nicknamed cannon cameras due to their large lenses, are being challenged by mobile phone cameras that are pushing the boundaries of image quality and zoom capabilities.
Apple is expected to make significant changes to the camera hardware of the iPhone 18 Pro series, slated for release this fall. Samsung Electronics is reportedly developing a new camera sensor for the Galaxy S27 Ultra, set to debut in the first half of 2027.
According to industry sources on Tuesday, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman stated that Apple will deliver the largest camera hardware upgrade in history with the iPhone 18 Pro series.
Gurman noted that the iPhone 18 Pro will feature the most substantial camera hardware upgrade ever.
The camera enhancements for the iPhone 18 Pro are likely to focus on improving the main rear camera module.
A Chinese leaker specializing in fixed focus digital cameras shared on Weibo that, according to Apple’s Chinese supply chain, the main camera upgrade for the iPhone 18 Pro has been confirmed. They added that the thickness of the iPhone 18 Pro’s rear aluminum alloy panel has increased by 2mm to accommodate the larger camera module.
Industry experts believe that the iPhone 18 Pro will see even more camera hardware upgrades beyond this.
The most promising upgrade is the addition of a variable aperture to the main camera, which would allow for easier control of depth of field in photos.
Apple is also expected to widen the aperture of the telephoto camera, enabling brighter photos in low-light conditions.
These camera upgrades are likely to be accompanied by improved camera operation software.
Samsung May Replace Ultra Main Camera Sensor for the First Time in Five Years, Adding LOFIC Support
Samsung Electronics is poised to update the 200-megapixel main wide-angle camera sensor in the Galaxy S27 Ultra, marking the first change since the Galaxy S23 Ultra.
Foreign media reports, citing Chinese tech leaker Digital Chat Station, indicate that Samsung is developing a large image sensor called ISOCELL HPA, measuring 1/1.12 inches. This new sensor is larger than the previous 1/1.13-inch sensor, promising improved brightness in photos.
The new sensor is also said to support Lateral Overflow Integration Capacitor (LOFIC) technology. If implemented, this technology would offer a wider dynamic range, allowing for more detailed representation of both bright and dark areas in photos.
An industry insider commented that Samsung Electronics has maintained its smartphone lens and camera configuration for some time, focusing on improving results through software post-processing. With Xiaomi incorporating Lateral Overflow Integration Capacitor (LOFIC) technology in the camera of their recently launched Xiaomi 17 Ultra, it’s time for Samsung to enhance the camera specifications in its flagship Ultra model.
