TL;DR
An investor note from Morgan Stanley, cited by AppleInsider, says the first iPhone with a 200MP rear camera will arrive in 2028 and that Samsung will produce the sensor. Earlier leaks from Weibo leaker Digital Chat Station suggested Apple was developing a 200MP module but offered no timeline; current iPhones use 48MP rear sensors.
What happened
A recent investor note from Morgan Stanley, reported via AppleInsider, projects that Apple will debut an iPhone with a 200-megapixel rear camera in its 2028 lineup, and that Samsung will manufacture the component. The possibility of a 200MP iPhone has circulated since a Weibo leak last spring from Digital Chat Station, which said Apple was working on such a camera but did not specify timing. At present, Apple equips its rear lenses with 48MP sensors across the main, Ultra Wide and Telephoto cameras; the main camera previously moved from 12MP to 48MP. The Morgan Stanley note suggests the substantial megapixel increase would not arrive until 2028, implying that Apple’s upcoming 2026 iPhone 18 models and the expected 2027 iPhones may see other camera refinements without a jump in megapixel count. The report also underscores the ongoing supplier relationship between Apple and Samsung across multiple components.
Why it matters
- A move to 200MP would represent a significant specs jump in smartphone imaging for Apple and could change how users capture high-resolution detail.
- The timing affects product roadmaps: if the upgrade waits until 2028, near-term iPhone models may focus on other camera improvements rather than higher megapixel counts.
- Samsung’s role as a supplier highlights the continued interdependence between major rivals in the smartphone supply chain.
- Megapixel increases can influence sensor size, processing demands and image-processing strategies, with implications for battery life and computational photography pipelines.
Key facts
- Morgan Stanley investor note (reported by AppleInsider) says a 200MP iPhone camera will debut in 2028.
- The same note indicates Samsung would produce the 200MP camera module.
- Weibo leaker Digital Chat Station previously reported that Apple was developing a 200MP camera but gave no timing.
- Current iPhone rear lenses — including main, Ultra Wide and Telephoto — use 48MP sensors.
- The iPhone main camera previously upgraded from 12MP to 48MP.
- The report suggests megapixel counts will likely remain at current levels through the 2026 iPhone 18 line and the 2027 models.
- Apple and Samsung continue to work together as supplier and customer despite being competitors; Samsung is also expected to supply displays for future Apple foldable devices (example cited: a crease-free iPhone Fold display).
What to watch next
- Whether Apple or Samsung issues an official confirmation of the 200MP camera and its timeline (not confirmed in the source).
- Announcements around the 2026 iPhone 18 line and 2027 models for other camera upgrades that do not increase megapixel counts.
- Further investor or supply-chain reporting that clarifies Samsung’s exact manufacturing role and any other suppliers involved.
Quick glossary
- Megapixel (MP): A unit equal to one million pixels; in smartphone cameras it is commonly used to describe sensor resolution.
- Main camera: The primary rear-facing camera module on a smartphone, typically used for general photography and often offering the highest quality sensor.
- Ultra Wide: A camera lens option that captures a wider field of view than the main lens, useful for landscapes and group shots.
- Telephoto: A camera lens that provides optical zoom capability, allowing subjects to be brought closer without losing image quality.
- Investor note: A research or advisory document produced by financial institutions for investors that can include forecasts and industry analysis.
Reader FAQ
Will Apple release a 200MP iPhone in 2028?
According to a Morgan Stanley investor note cited by AppleInsider, the first 200MP iPhone is expected in 2028.
Who would make the 200MP sensor?
The Morgan Stanley note states Samsung would produce the 200MP camera module.
Did earlier leaks mention a 200MP iPhone?
Yes — Weibo leaker Digital Chat Station reported Apple was working on a 200MP camera but did not provide a timeline.
Will iPhone megapixel counts change before 2028?
The report indicates it seems likely that the megapixel count will remain at current levels until 2028.
Has Apple officially confirmed the 200MP plan?
Not confirmed in the source.
I think Apple should take this radical approach to the new Siri Ben Lovejoy Jan 5 2026 IPHONE New iPhone with 200MP camera gets release timing update Ryan Christoffel | Jan…
Sources
- New iPhone with 200MP camera gets release timing update
- Apple Secretly Testing 200MP iPhone Camera, A Strategic …
- iPhone Rumored to Get 200MP Camera Like Samsung's …
- AppleInsider: Apple News, Rumors, Reviews, Prices & Deals
Related posts
- iOS 26 Brings Three Standout Apple Music Features I Use Daily
- New high-end AirPods Pro are launching this year, here’s the rumored price
- Aqara Smart Lock U400 Debuts with Apple Wallet Home Key for Auto Unlock