Image Credit: Samsung

iPhone 18 camera sensor made in Texas is the shift Apple watchers didn’t see coming. According to a report from The Elec, Samsung is preparing to supply Apple with advanced image sensors by manufacturing them at its existing facility in Austin, Texas, marking a significant change in how and where a key iPhone camera component is produced.

iPhone 18 camera sensor made in Texas: what’s changing in Austin

Samsung is expected to install new production equipment at its Austin site soon. The company has also posted job listings for mechanical and electrical technicians, engineers, and managers, signaling that the setup phase is moving forward. Samsung recently notified the Austin city council of its plan to spend $19 billion on the facility, underscoring the scale of the investment behind this expansion.

The new production line is expected to begin operating as early as March, though timelines can shift as equipment is installed and processes are qualified.

Why the three-stack sensor design matters

The iPhone-bound sensor is reportedly built on a three-stack design, which vertically stacks multiple layers. In real-world camera terms, this can translate into higher pixel density and stronger low-light results, while also improving readout speed. Stacked architectures may also help reduce power consumption and expand dynamic range, which can preserve detail in both bright skies and shadowy scenes.

Importantly, the report notes this manufacturing approach hasn’t previously been deployed at full commercial scale, making the Austin ramp a notable test of advanced sensor production in the U.S.

A major supplier shift for Apple’s camera pipeline

If the iPhone 18 camera sensor made in Texas plan holds, it would be the first time Apple moves away from Sony as the sole supplier for iPhone image sensors. Today, Sony-made sensors are produced in Japan and delivered via TSMC. The new sensor is believed to target the iPhone 18, expected in the first half of 2027, following a reported Apple–Samsung supply agreement reached in August.

This potential change won’t just affect specs; it could reshape Apple’s camera supply chain strategy for years.

Also Read: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Deal: Save Up to $1120 + Free Storage Upgrade

Xiaomi Spring Festival launches are shaping up to be a busy run-up to China’s biggest holiday, with multiple devices reportedly queued across phones, wearables, audio, tablets, and IoT. Tipster Digital Chat Station claims Xiaomi is preparing a packed release schedule that could stretch across several announcements rather than a single stage event.

At the center of the lineup is an imaging-focused flagship said to use the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. The device is widely believed to be the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, and the leak suggests it could be announced as soon as next week, followed by a broader release later this month.

Camera hardware is where the 17 Ultra is expected to lean in. The phone is tipped to feature a 1-inch Leica-branded main camera, likely using a domestically sourced OmniVision OV50X sensor. It would reportedly be paired with a 50MP ultra-wide camera and a 200MP periscope telephoto, a combination that signals Xiaomi’s continued push for top-tier zoom and low-light performance.

Xiaomi’s midrange lineup may also grow with two Redmi models. The Redmi Turbo 5 is rumored to debut with the MediaTek Dimensity 8500, while the Redmi Turbo 5 Pro could step up with a Dimensity 9500e variant, positioning it higher in performance and pricing.

Wearables are part of the plan too. A new Xiaomi smartwatch is said to run Android with HyperOS, pack a 930mAh battery, and support eSIM through an independent eUICC chip, enabling standalone use without a phone.

Two new earbuds, a midrange tablet, and several IoT products are also mentioned, though specifics remain under wraps for now.

Also Read: Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold S Pen Support: Here’s the Official Answer and What It Means

Related Article: Xiaomi 17 Global Variant Listed on Geekbench Ahead of India Launch

OMG! OnePlus 15 Build Quality SHOCKS Everyone! Stronger Than Titanium

There’s a lot of excitement around the upcoming OnePlus 13s, especially when it comes to its price and features. If you’re planning to buy a new OnePlus phone, this one might be a perfect choice.

Expected Price in India

According to tipster Yogesh Brar, the OnePlus 13s could launch in India at around ₹55,000. This would make it cheaper than the OnePlus 13, but a bit more expensive than the OnePlus 13R. In terms of both pricing and performance, it would sit right between the two models in the OnePlus lineup.

However, OnePlus has not officially confirmed the price or launch date yet, so we’ll need to wait for the final announcement.

Also read:

OnePlus 13s Box Contents Revealed – Here’s Everything Inside

Compact Design and Powerful Specs

The OnePlus 13s design has already appeared in some leaked images. The phone is expected to have a 6.32-inch display, making it more compact than its siblings. This could be a great option for users who prefer a phone that is easy to hold and operate with one hand.

Despite its smaller size, the OnePlus 13s is expected to be very powerful. It will likely be powered by Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, along with a dedicated Wi-Fi chip to ensure faster and more stable connectivity. This means it should offer smooth performance for gaming, browsing, or everyday use.

Key Features to Watch

A standout feature on the OnePlus 13s is the new Plus Key, which is a customizable button, much like Apple’s Action Button. Users will be able to assign different functions to it, such as opening the camera or launching a favorite app.

The phone is also expected to feature a 32MP front camera for clear and sharp selfies. On top of that, OnePlus may add AI-powered features that combine on-device intelligence with cloud support to improve the overall experience.

The OnePlus 13s looks like a well-balanced compact flagship phone that could offer the best mix of performance, features, and price. If you’re looking for a powerful yet handy phone in the premium range, this might just be the one to wait for.

OnePlus is hosting a launch event today at 12 PM, where you can learn about its features, improvements, and the new Plus Key.