Samsung’s Camera Partnership with Apple May Extend Beyond Initial Expectations

Some time ago, Apple revealed that it was collaborating with Samsung to develop next generation camera technology for iPhones. Later reports suggested that Apple planned to use Samsung’s latest camera sensors in its upcoming devices. Now, new details hint that this collaboration may involve more than just cameras making the deal larger than first expected.

A report by ETNews states that Samsung Electro Mechanics which is part of the Samsung Group and focuses on manufacturing electronic components is joining the supply chain of a major global technology company. Although the report does not name the company, it notes that the firm ships hundreds of millions of smartphones each year and also makes laptops, tablets and wearable products suggesting that Apple is the company in question. The report also says that the South Korean firm will supply fine pitch coils used in actuators that support camera focusing and image stabilisation.

The two companies are reportedly in discussions over the finer details of the agreement including pricing and the quantity of components to be supplied. Sources indicate that negotiations are progressing without major issues making it likely that the deal will be successfully reached.

Samsung Electro Mechanics is reported to have previously supplied multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) and semiconductor substrates to the unnamed company. However, it had not provided any components related to camera technology until now. Apple reportedly chose to limit its dependence on Samsung because both companies compete directly in smartphones, wearables and other consumer electronics categories. However, changes in the global smartphone market have brought their interests closer together prompting Apple to revise its strategy and begin sourcing components from Samsung.

If Samsung is able to maintain a stable and reliable supply, its partnership with Apple could be expanded in the future. The expanded partnership may involve supplying actuators, camera modules, and even camera lenses. Samsung would then likely supply ultrawide cameras equipped with global shutter like technology as well as fine pitch coils used for autofocus and optical image stabilisation.