The camera collaboration between Samsung and Apple, announced a few months back, might be far more extensive than initially revealed. The partnership, which will see Samsung’s advanced camera sensors used in future iPhones, could now extend to critical internal components that control the camera’s core functions.
According to a report from ETNews, Samsung Electro-Mechanics—the electronic component manufacturing arm of the Samsung Group—is in advanced discussions to enter the supply chain of a major global tech firm. While not explicitly named, the client is described as a company that ships hundreds of millions of smartphones annually and also produces laptops, tablets, and wearables, strongly pointing to Apple.
The report claims Samsung Electro-Mechanics will supply Fine Pitch Coils (FP Coils), which are essential components that drive the actuators responsible for camera autofocus and optical image stabilization (OIS). These tiny coils are critical for achieving faster, more accurate focusing and sharper, stabler images and videos.
Negotiations on pricing and supply quantity are reportedly progressing smoothly, and the deal is expected to be finalized. This would mark a significant expansion of the business relationship between the two giants. Samsung Electro-Mechanics has previously supplied the unnamed company (believed to be Apple) with multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) and semiconductor substrates, but this would be its first entry into supplying camera-related components.
This potential deal signals a notable shift in strategy for both companies. Apple has historically been cautious about sourcing too many components from Samsung due to their direct competition in smartphones, wearables, and other electronics. However, changes in the global market landscape have apparently realigned their interests, leading Apple to soften its stance.
If Samsung’s supply proves consistent and reliable, the partnership could expand further to include complete actuators, camera modules, and even lenses. This would position Samsung Electro-Mechanics as a major player in Apple’s camera supply chain, with the report specifically mentioning the potential supply of ultrawide cameras featuring a global shutter-like technology.
For Samsung, this move indicates that its sister companies are increasingly prioritizing growth and profitability, even if it means supplying a direct competitor like Apple. This strict buy-sell relationship could redefine the competitive dynamics between the two tech behemoths, with Samsung’s components potentially playing a central role in the camera capabilities of future iPhones.
