If a 200MP camera module sounds bonkers, it might be en route for the next-gen iPhone.
According to noted Weibo leaker Digital Chat Station, Apple is working on a 200 megapixel camera module for a next-generation iPhone. This would mark a huge increase in resolution over the 48MP sensors used in current models, albeit there have been conflicting rumors since then about timing, which may be centered around a 2028 release.
In their latest post, the leaker initially just stated that a 200MP telephoto module had been spotted in Apple’s supply chain, but when asked in the comments about the date, said it was “most likely 2028.” It’s currently expected that the module will be made by Samsung, but DCS suggests that Sony is also vying for orders.
While higher megapixel counts sound impressive, they also present their own challenges. One issue with squeezing ever more megapixels into a smartphone-sized sensor is that the pixel density increases. This means more noise is introduced into photos, and that can be especially problematic in low-light shots.
The current rumored sensor sizes and specs are as follows:
- iPhone 17/iPhone Air 1/1.56″ 48mm²
- iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max 1/1.28″ 71.5mm²
- Rumored 200MP sensor 1/1.12″ 93.2mm²
Digital Chat Station also indicated that the 200MP sensor would only be used for the telephoto lens, which is mostly used for outdoor shots where image noise tends to be less of an issue.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.
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