Apple May Delay Standard iPhone 18 to Give Samsung More Time for Camera Sensors

Apple's omission of the standard iPhone 18 from its September launch event may be tied to Samsung's production timeline for camera sensors, according to a report by Japanese semiconductor publication Semiconportal. The report suggests that Apple could be giving Samsung additional time to manufacture enough high-performance image sensors for the device.

Samsung reportedly began prototyping advanced image sensors for future iPhones in spring 2026 at its facility in Austin, Texas, with mass production initially slated for the fall. Semiconportal indicates that waiting until early 2027 would allow Samsung to build up sufficient supply. Apple has not confirmed a launch date for the standard iPhone 18 or explained its absence from the September event.

Sony has been Apple's primary image sensor supplier for about a decade. Semiconportal expects this arrangement to evolve as Samsung joins the supply chain, though Sony is likely to remain a supplier. How Apple will divide orders between the two companies remains unclear.

In August 2025, Apple confirmed it was working with Samsung on chip manufacturing at the Austin plant under its American Manufacturing Program. The program was announced alongside an additional $100 billion commitment to US investment. The announcement covered chips for Apple products, including iPhones, but did not specifically mention the standard iPhone 18.

Having two suppliers could give Apple more leverage on component pricing. Gizmochina noted that rising memory and chip production costs make a lower retail price for the iPhone 18 unlikely.

Apple reported record September-quarter revenue of $114.5 billion, up 12% year-over-year, with iPhone revenue also setting a record for the quarter.