Apple is planning some significant updates for the 20th anniversary of the iPhone, and one of them could change the camera. According to a new leak, the company may utilize a completely new sensor technology for its 2027 smartphone.
The anniversary iPhone 20 may feature an Apple-made LOFIC sensor
Apple may be preparing a major shakeup for its cameras, introducing an in-house camera sensor that utilizes brand-new technology. According to a blog post (translated source) on Naver by Korean leaker yeux1122, Apple will feature a new LOFIC sensor on the cameras of the iPhone 20 series, allowing them to capture photos with higher dynamic range than current models.
That would help Apple catch up to some of the leading Chinese manufacturers who had already used LOFIC sensors for some of their phones. Those include the Xiaomi 17 Pro, the Huawei Pura 80 Ultra, and the Honor Magic6 Ultimate.
Samsung may be falling behind
The Huawei Pura 80 Ultra is among the current flagship phones with LOFIC camera sensors. | Image credit – PhoneArena
While Apple is working on a 2027 update, other Chinese manufacturers may feature LOFIC sensors on their top-tier devices in 2026. Those include OPPO and Vivo, which are reportedly planning to release LOFIC-equipped models next year.
Both Oppo’s and Vivo’s devices will be able to utilize the new technology thanks to Sony’s sensors. The Japanese company reportedly plans to release two LOFIC sensors in 2026—the LYT-838 and LYT-910 sensors.
Do you think Apple could develop a competitive in-house camera sensor?
Yes, they’re good at designing chips
42.86%
Maybe, if they put the right resources in it
14.29%
No, Sony and Samsung are too far ahead
42.86%
While Samsung is struggling with the development of the Galaxy S26 series, the company doesn’t have immediate plans to adopt LOFIC. That could lead to a rare case of Apple adopting a new technology before Samsung.
LOFIC stands for Lateral Overflow Integration Capacitor, and it’s an advanced pixel design that enables an increased dynamic range by storing excess light while keeping low noise. That way, the sensor can capture high detail in both the bright and dark parts of an image and potentially reach the dynamic range of high-end cinema cameras.
A proper celebration for Apple
I’d love to see a fresh take on the Apple camera hardware, and the iPhone 20 could be the best moment for it. Apple’s cameras are never bad, but they haven’t been the best on the market for a while now. If an in-house sensor with brand-new imaging technology is what it takes to change it, I’m all in for it.
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Ilia, a tech journalist at PhoneArena, has been covering the mobile industry since 2011, with experience at outlets like Forbes Bulgaria. Passionate about smartphones, tablets, and consumer tech, he blends deep industry knowledge with a personal fascination that began with his first Nokia and Sony Ericsson devices. Originally from Bulgaria and now based in Lima, Peru, Ilia balances his tech obsessions with walking his dog, training at the gym, and slowly mastering Spanish.
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