Apple is planning a significant upgrade to its iPhone camera technology, aiming to integrate a 200-megapixel sensor into a future device; though, consumers won’t see the feature until the iPhone 21 series arrives in 2028. This move puts Apple in line with a growing trend in the smartphone industry, where higher resolution cameras – previously a key differentiator for Android phones – are becoming increasingly common [[1]], [[2]]. According to a Morgan Stanley report, the update is timed to coincide with the iPhone 20’s 20th-anniversary launch in 2027, with the higher-resolution sensor reserved for the Pro and Pro Max models [[3]].
Apple is planning to incorporate a 200-megapixel camera into its iPhone lineup, but consumers will need to wait until 2028 for the feature to arrive. The move signals a growing trend toward higher resolution smartphone cameras, previously dominated by Android devices.
Rumors of Apple testing a 200MP camera for a future iPhone surfaced in May, but details remained scarce at the time. High-resolution sensors have become increasingly common in the Android ecosystem, making it logical for Apple to explore the technology.
According to a recent investor report from Morgan Stanley, Apple has made the decision to include a 200MP camera in the iPhone 21 series, slated for release in 2028. This timing aligns with Apple’s anticipated launch of the iPhone 20 in 2027, which will commemorate the 20th anniversary of the original iPhone. Consequently, the following generation will be designated the iPhone 21.
The 200MP camera is expected to be featured in the iPhone 21 Pro and Pro Max models. Samsung is reportedly the supplier for the sensor, though the specific model Apple will utilize remains unclear. Given the timeframe, the exact sensor may not have been officially announced yet.
