Samsung's camera deal with Apple could be bigger than we thought

A few months ago, Apple and Samsung announced that they were working together on groundbreaking camera technology for iPhones. Some reports later revealed that the South Korean firm's newer camera sensors would be used in future iPhones. Now, it appears that the deal between the two technology giants could be bigger than we thought.

A report from ETNews claims that Samsung Electro-Mechanics, an electronic component manufacturing unit of Samsung Group, is entering the supply chain of a global big tech company. While the report didn't mention the company, it said that the company ships hundreds of millions of smartphones every year and also makes laptops, tablets, and wearables, likely pointing towards Apple. It claims that the South Korean firm will supply fine pitch coils (FP coils) that drive actuators used in focusing and stabilising the cameras.

The two companies are reportedly negotiating detailed terms of deal, including the pricing and supply quantity. The discussions are said to be progressing smoothly and the deal is likely to be made.

Samsung Electro-Mechanics is said to have supplied multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) and semiconductor substrates to this unnamed firm but had not supplied any camera-related components yet. Apple reportedly didn't want to get more components from Samsung due to their direct competition in phones, wearables, and other consumer electronics. However, since the global smartphone market landscape has changed drastically, the interests of the two firms are aligned, and Apple has finally changed its stance towards sourcing components from Samsung.

If Samsung's supply is consistent, its deal with Apple could be expanded to supply actuators, camera modules, and lenses. So, Samsung will likely supply ultrawide cameras with a global shutter-like technology and FP coils that are used to drive autofocus and optical image stabilisation for cameras.

Image Credits: Apple