Sony of Japan, the global No. 1 in image sensor market share, is set to join hands with Taiwan's TSMC to keep Samsung Electronics in check.
According to the Nikkei on the 9th, Sony said in its settlement of account for the last fiscal year (April 2025–March 2026) that it will establish a joint venture with TSMC to partner on image sensor development and production technology.
Sony Semiconductor Solutions, a Sony subsidiary, is reviewing a plan to hold a majority stake in the joint venture, and investment in production lines is also expected to proceed with support from the Japanese government.
Accordingly, there is a possibility that TSMC's production equipment will be brought into the Sony Semiconductor image sensor plant in Koshi, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, or that investment in a new production line will take place.
This move by Sony is seen as an effort to keep Samsung Electronics in check as it has recently been deepening its collaboration with Apple. In particular, as its largest client Apple is expected to expand its adoption of Samsung Electronics' image sensors, Sony—which controls around a 50% market share—faces rising anxiety.
Meanwhile, Sony projected that operating profit for the 2026 fiscal year (April 2026–March 2027) will rise 11% from the previous year to 1.6 trillion yen (about 15 trillion won), revenue will fall 1% to 12.3 trillion yen (about 144 trillion won), and net profit will increase 13% to 1.16 trillion yen (about 10 trillion won).