Key Takeaways
1. Major tech companies like Sony, Samsung, and Apple are developing next-gen image sensors using LOFIC technology, with expected adoption between late 2026 and 2028.
2. Sony plans to release a 1/1.3-inch LOFIC sensor for OPPO and Vivo, with prototypes ready by late 2026, marking a shift towards external OEM partnerships.
3. Samsung is working on a 200 MP, 1/1.1-inch LOFIC module, anticipated for release between late 2026 and early 2027.
4. Apple’s in-house CIS project with LOFIC technology is now expected to launch in 2028, potentially delaying the introduction originally planned for the 2027 iPhone 20 series.
5. LOFIC technology enhances dynamic range and low-light performance in image sensors, shifting the focus of mobile photography from resolution to overall image quality.
A recent post on Weibo by the trusted insider Digital Chat Station suggests that major tech companies like Sony, Samsung, and Apple are working on the next-gen image sensors that will use LOFIC (Lateral Overflow Integration Capacitor) technology. The timeline indicates that we can expect this technology to be adopted between late 2026 and 2028, hinting at a coordinated effort across the industry rather than just individual trials.
Sony’s New Developments
The leak reveals that Sony is getting ready to launch a 1/1.3-inch LOFIC sensor for brands like OPPO and Vivo, with prototype versions expected to be ready by late 2026. This is the first time it’s been reported that Sony is creating a LOFIC sensor specifically intended for external OEM partners, instead of for its own Xperia series. Furthermore, Samsung is believed to be working on a 200 MP, 1/1.1-inch module, known internally as HPA, which is anticipated to be released sometime between late 2026 and early 2027.
Apple’s Progress with LOFIC
On the other hand, Apple is reportedly making strides in its own in-house CIS (CMOS Image Sensor) project that incorporates LOFIC technology, with a release now expected in 2028. The leak from Digital Chat Station specifically states that Apple’s self-developed CIS with LOFIC support is “currently planned for the year 2028.”
In the past, there have been indications that Apple’s first LOFIC sensor would be introduced with the 2027 “anniversary iPhone,” recognized now as the iPhone 20 series. The iPhone 20 holds special significance as it marks Apple’s 20th anniversary, and it would have been a great opportunity to unveil the company’s first in-house image sensor. However, the latest information suggests that this significant camera upgrade might be pushed back a year, delaying the LOFIC introduction to the 2028 iPhone models.
Understanding LOFIC Technology
For those who may not know, LOFIC allows a sensor to capture excess charge from bright areas using lateral capacitors, which helps avoid highlight clipping and enhances tonal range. This design results in better performance in low-light conditions and improves dynamic range, yielding more realistic details in both highlights and shadows.
If this information is correct, it appears that Sony and Samsung could bring LOFIC sensors to market before the end of 2027, while Apple will adopt the technology later through its own CIS. This trend also highlights a shift from merely competing on resolution towards focusing on dynamic range and architectural innovations in mobile photography.
Currently, there has been no official confirmation from any of the three companies regarding these details.
Source:
Link
Leave a Reply