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Samsung Electronics Develops Global Shutter-Level Mobile Image Sensor; Plans Presentation at ISSCC 2026

Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 08:19 AM

Samsung Electronics has developed a new 12-megapixel image sensor that uses a novel pixel structure and algorithm to achieve near global shutter performance while maintaining high resolution. The company plans to present the details of this new technology at the ISSCC 2026 conference, amid reports that its System LSI Business Unit is cooperating with Apple on new CMOS image sensor products for future iPhones.

Context

Samsung Electronics will unveil a global-shutter-equivalent CMOS image sensor at ISSCC 2026, a significant advancement for mobile photography. This innovation achieves 12MP resolution with a 1.5µm pixel pitch, leveraging 3µm digital pixel units, staggered zigzag readout, and motion compensation. This technology directly addresses the challenge of integrating distortion-free global shutter capabilities into high-resolution mobile cameras, a feature highly desired by smartphone manufacturers. This development is timely as Apple actively pursues global shutter technology for its next-generation devices, with patent filings indicating strong interest. Apple also collaborates with Samsung's Austin foundry, where Samsung will supply chips as part of Apple's $100 billion U.S. investment, suggesting potential integration of Samsung's advanced sensors. The CMOS image sensor market is projected for robust growth, expanding from USD 19,287.19M in 2022 to USD 28,598.94M by 2030, at a CAGR of 5.30%, positioning Samsung's innovation to capture a significant share.

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