iPhone 15 to Use 'State-of-the-Art' Image Sensor From Sony for Better Low-Light Performance

Apple's upcoming iPhone 15 models will be equipped with Sony's newest "state of the art" image sensors, according to a report from Nikkei.

iPhone 14 Pro Rear Camera
Compared to standard sensors, Sony's image sensor doubles the saturation signal in each pixel, allowing it to capture more light to cut down on underexposure and overexposure. Nikkei says that it is able to better photograph a person's face even with strong backlighting, as an example.

Sony is using semiconductor architecture that puts photodiodes and transistors in separate layers, allowing for more photodiodes. It is not clear if all of the ‌iPhone 15‌ models will use the new sensor technology, or if Apple will limit it to the higher-end "Pro" ‌iPhone 15‌ models.

At the current time, rumors suggest that the iPhone 15 Pro will have several exclusive features that will not be available in the standard ‌iPhone 15‌ models, including an updated A17 chip, a faster USB-C port, more RAM, and most notably, updated zoom camera technology.

Apple is working on a periscope telephoto lens that will improve the ‌iPhone 15 Pro‌'s optical zoom capabilities, allowing for up to 10x optical zoom to match some Android smartphones that are on the market.

The Sony image sensor technology described here would likely be used for the Wide camera that Apple considers the iPhone's "main" camera as Apple typically uses different technology for each lens.

Related Roundup: iPhone 15
Buyer's Guide: iPhone 15 (Neutral)
Related Forum: iPhone

Top Rated Comments

rain111 Avatar
17 months ago
I think I'll wait for iPhone 16 and have yet another state-of-the-art image sensor.
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
genovelle Avatar
17 months ago

But but but... Apple lead me to believe they made their own cameras? At least their consumers act like they do?
No one does. All of the cameras combine lots of different IP to achieve their results. What Apple does is take this technology, combine it with their software to create new experiences.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Kylo83 Avatar
17 months ago
iPhone 15 will get a better camera shock
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
1madman1 Avatar
17 months ago

With all the riots in China, people are having trouble getting their hands on iphone 14 pro.

Anyway, a CCD (sensor) is only as good as the optics. Hopefully the optics can take advantage of the CCD.
Phones haven't used CCDs for years, they're all CMOS sensors these days. The iPhone has been CMOS since at least the iPhone 4.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheYayAreaLiving ?️ Avatar
17 months ago
Awesome! It's about to get better and better. The periscope telephoto lens ('https://www.macrumors.com/2022/07/14/periscope-lens-iphone-15-pro-max-kuo/') would be a game changer :)
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
WWPD Avatar
17 months ago
90% sure this will not be on the base iPhone 15, why even bother? Do away with the pro and just make the best iPhone. Apple today reminds me of a car dealership.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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