Did Samsung Just Land a Secret Camera Deal with Apple?

Samsung Electro-Mechanics, which produces electronic components such as MLCCs, semiconductor substrates, camera modules, and PCBs, may be about to sign a major camera deal with Apple. The Korean media reported that the firm is in discussion to supply camera components to a global big tech company, one that fits Apple’s profile almost too well.

Samsung to supply camera components to an Apple-sized global company

According to an ETnews report, Samsung Electro-Mechanics is preparing to supply camera components to an unnamed global IT giant that makes smartphones, laptops, tablets, wearables, and more products. The said firm has annual shipments of over 100 million units. While the report doesn’t name anyone, very few players besides Apple match that combination of scale, product breadth, and shipment volume.

At the center of the discussions is a fine pitch (FP) coil, a component used in camera actuators for functions like autofocus and optical image stabilization (OIS). Traditionally, camera actuators rely on winding-type coils, where wires are physically wound to generate a magnetic force. FP coils, by contrast, use fine pitch patterning, allowing a smaller size, higher precision, and better suitability for thinner cameras.

In an era where smartphones are getting thinner and cameras are getting more complex, FP coils are becoming increasingly valuable. Samsung Electro-Mechanics is reportedly in advanced talks with the customer, with discussions around pricing and volume already well progressed, suggesting the deal is more than just exploratory.

Historically, Samsung Electro-Mechanics has supplied components like MLCCs and semiconductor substrates to a wide range of customers, including Apple. However, camera components were largely off-limits, primarily because of the firm’s close relationship with Samsung Electronics, which produces Galaxy smartphones.

If confirmed, it would signal a clear shift in strategy: Samsung Electro-Mechanics prioritizing growth and diversification over avoiding overlap with Samsung Electronics’ competitive interests. Samsung’s other sister firms have also hinted at a strict buy-sell relationship as they chase growth and profitability.