Cameras were always among the most important features of the iPhone, but Apple never participated in the megapixel wars. That might change in the coming years as the company is reportedly aiming to launch a phone with a 200MP camera.
iPhone may get a 200MP camera sensor in 2028
Apple may wait another two years before using a super high-resolution camera sensor on an iPhone. According to a note to investors by Morgan Stanley, reported by AppleInsider, the company will add a 200MP camera sensor made by Samsung to the iPhone 21.
Part of the reason Apple is taking so long is that it wants to diversify its supply lines and rely on more than one source. The company aims to increase iPhone component production in the US, which fits with earlier rumors that Samsung may manufacture CMOS image sensors in Austin, Texas.
That would be a significant change for Apple, which currently relies on Sony for the camera sensors of the iPhone.
Welcome to the 200MP party, Apple
All three cameras of the iPhone 17 Pro feature 48MP sensors. | Image credit – PhoneArena
It took years for Apple to switch from 12MP to 48MP cameras on the iPhone, and it appears it’ll take as long to move to 200MP. If this new information is true, it will have taken Apple five years to catch up to the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s 200MP camera.
Recommended For You
Do you want an iPhone with 200MP camera?
Yes, Apple needs to catch up
31.58%
Yes, but only if it improves the photo quality
31.58%
Megapixels don’t matter for me, but I won’t mind it
0%
No, I prefer larger sensor, not higher resolution
36.84%
Meanwhile, manufacturers like Vivo and Oppo are rumored to launch devices with two 200MP cameras. The Vivo X300 Ultra and Oppo Find X9 Ultra are rumored to have main and telephoto cameras with 200MP sensors. The iPhone 17 Pro features three 48MP cameras.
It’s not all about the numbers
Resolution is just one aspect of a smartphone camera, and it’s far from the most important. We’ve seen many high-resolution cameras that produce bad pictures, and Apple is among the manufacturers that delivered top-notch images with 12MP sensors. However, adding a 200MP sensor to the iPhone camera toolkit could only make it better, and I’m excited about it.
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.
A discussion is a place, where people can voice their opinion, no matter if it
is positive, neutral or negative. However, when posting, one must stay true to the topic, and not just share some
random thoughts, which are not directly related to the matter.
Things that are NOT allowed:
Off-topic talk - you must stick to the subject of discussion
Offensive, hate speech - if you want to say something, say it politely
Spam/Advertisements - these posts are deleted
Multiple accounts - one person can have only one account
Impersonations and offensive nicknames - these accounts get banned
To help keep our community safe and free from spam, we apply temporary limits to newly created accounts:
New accounts created within the last 24 hours may experience restrictions on how frequently they can
post or comment.
These limits are in place as a precaution and will automatically lift.
Moderation is done by humans. We try to be as objective as possible and moderate with zero bias. If you think a
post should be moderated - please, report it.
Have a question about the rules or why you have been moderated/limited/banned? Please,
contact us.
FCC OKs Cingular\'s purchase of AT&T Wireless
Things that are NOT allowed:
To help keep our community safe and free from spam, we apply temporary limits to newly created accounts: