TL;DR
A Weibo leaker known as Digital Chat Station reports Apple has expressed interest in multispectral camera sensors and is assessing the supply chain. The leaker says tests have not yet begun; previous smartphone implementations of the technology produced underwhelming results.
What happened
A post from Weibo leaker Digital Chat Station claims Apple is looking into multispectral camera sensors for future iPhones. According to the leaker, Apple is evaluating the supply chain for the technology but has not started formal testing. Multispectral sensors differ from standard RGB sensors by detecting wavelengths outside the visible range — notably infrared and ultraviolet — which can be used to extract additional spectral information from scenes. The story notes that multispectral imaging has a long history in military and industrial contexts and that at least one smartphone maker, Huawei, has previously shipped phones with multispectral-capable camera modules. Review coverage of those devices was tepid, and 9to5Mac’s analysis argues that interest from Apple does not guarantee the feature will reach shipping iPhones, given limited consumer payoff and the leaker’s mixed track record.
Why it matters
- Multispectral sensors could, in principle, improve color fidelity and performance under challenging lighting by adding non-visible wavelength data to image processing.
- If Apple pursues the technology it would require supply-chain changes and new imaging workflows, affecting component partners and camera software.
- Past smartphone implementations produced modest benefits, so wide consumer impact is uncertain despite potential niche uses.
- Adoption by a major vendor like Apple could influence whether multispectral imaging becomes more common in consumer devices or stays specialized.
Key facts
- The claim originates from Weibo leaker Digital Chat Station.
- Digital Chat Station says Apple is interested in "multi-spectrum" technology and is evaluating the supply chain.
- The leaker also stated that testing of multispectral sensors by Apple has not yet begun.
- Conventional phone sensors capture red, green and blue (visible) wavelengths; multispectral adds infrared and ultraviolet bands.
- Multispectral imaging is primarily used in military, satellite and industrial applications such as target ID, crop monitoring and quality control.
- Chinese vendor Huawei has added multispectral-capable hardware to two smartphones, according to the source.
- Reviewer response to those Huawei phones was lukewarm; the source characterizes the results as not particularly impressive.
- 9to5Mac cautions that Apple investigates many technologies that do not reach shipping products, and the leaker’s track record is mixed.
What to watch next
- Whether Apple publicly confirms formal testing of multispectral camera modules — not confirmed in the source.
- Announcements or supply-chain reports showing component deals or prototypes tied to multispectral sensors — not confirmed in the source.
- Independent reviews or lab tests demonstrating clear consumer benefits from multispectral cameras in phones — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Multispectral camera: A camera system that captures image data at several specific wavelength bands, including some outside visible light like infrared and ultraviolet.
- RGB sensor: A conventional camera sensor design that measures red, green and blue light to reproduce color images within the visible spectrum.
- Infrared (IR): Electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths longer than visible red light; used in imaging for heat detection and extending low-light sensitivity.
- Ultraviolet (UV): Electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths shorter than visible violet light; can reveal surface details and materials not visible in normal light.
- Supply-chain evaluation: The process of assessing suppliers, components and production feasibility before committing to development or manufacturing.
Reader FAQ
Has Apple confirmed multispectral cameras for future iPhones?
Not confirmed in the source. The report says Apple is expressing interest and evaluating the supply chain, but tests have not started.
What would multispectral cameras add to smartphone photography?
According to the source, multispectral imaging can detect infrared and ultraviolet bands and could improve color accuracy and low-light performance in principle.
Have other phone makers used this technology?
Yes; the source notes Huawei included multispectral-capable hardware in two phones, but reviewer reaction was underwhelming.
Is there a timeline for Apple to ship this in an iPhone?
Not confirmed in the source.
I think Apple should take this radical approach to the new Siri Ben Lovejoy Jan 5 2026 IPHONE IPHONE PHOTOGRAPHY Leaker suggests future iPhones could get multispectral cameras Ben Lovejoy…
Sources
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