Apple, known for its recent tendency to integrate ever-more component designs in-house, is reportedly considering a shift towards creating its own camera sensors for iPhones.
Such a move would align with Apple’s long-standing strategy of moving away from third-party suppliers. The initiative, as reported by Mark Gurman in Bloomberg’s “Power On” newsletter, apparently aims to develop an “in-house strategy” for camera sensor design, emphasizing the importance of photography as a key selling feature of iPhones.
Any decision by Apple to design camera sensors internally would not just be about enhancing iPhone photography. That’s because it would also reflect Apple’s broader vision in areas like mixed reality and autonomous vehicles. The Cupertino company designing its own camera sensors could be crucial for the advancement of products such as the Apple Vision Pro and the much-speculated Apple Car.
Internalizing the design process would present Apple with significant benefits. It would not only allow for improvements in component functionality, but would also facilitate future development planning and deeper integration of hardware with Apple’s software. This approach is not new to the tech giant; it has previously shifted design responsibilities in-house, most notably with its processors for iPhones and Apple Silicon for Macs.
Additionally, Apple’s ongoing projects include developing its own modem, expected to debut in late 2025, and exploring advanced battery cells for longer iPhone battery life.
Another notable endeavor is the development of a noninvasive blood glucose sensor for the Apple Watch, reportedly led by Apple platform architecture group head Tim Millet.
