Apple may introduce 200MP camera with iPhone 18 Pro model
Apple is preparing to make a big leap in smartphone photography. According to a new rumour, the tech giant is currently testing a 200-megapixel main camera sensor that could feature in an upcoming iPhone – possibly the iPhone 18 Pro series expected in 2026.
The speculation, first shared by tipster Digital Chat Station on Chinese social media platform Weibo, suggests that Apple is finally considering stepping into the ultra-high-resolution camera race. The shift would mark a significant jump from the company’s current flagship sensor, which is found in the iPhone 14 Pro and
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Although the post doesn’t provide details about the sensor’s manufacturer or any technical specifications, it’s enough to spark interest in the tech community. It also hints that Apple is testing the waters for a major change in its mobile photography strategy.
Apple has traditionally taken a cautious approach when adopting new technologies, often opting to refine innovations before incorporating them into its hardware. For example, while other brands were experimenting with foldable phones, Apple refrained from launching the iPhone Fold. Similarly, in the high-megapixel space, brands like Samsung and Vivo have already taken the lead. The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is set to launch in 2023 with a 200MP sensor – a trend continued by the Galaxy S24 Ultra and the recently released Galaxy S25 Ultra. Meanwhile, Vivo’s X200 Pro also features a 200-megapixel telephoto camera.
If Apple goes ahead with this development, it could revolutionise iPhone photography, adding sharper detail, better dynamic range, and more advanced post-processing features like improved digital zoom and high-resolution cropping. There’s a caveat, though: this breakthrough isn’t expected to come anytime soon.
Reports suggest that the iPhone 17 Pro, expected to launch in 2025, will feature an all-48-megapixel camera setup – maintaining the status quo for the next generation. As for the 200MP sensor, it is unlikely to debut in the iPhone 17 series and may not even be finalised for the iPhone 18 Pro models. Still, the fact that Apple is actively testing such technology is a strong indicator that a significant upgrade could be on the horizon.
At this stage, nothing has been officially confirmed, and rumours about the iPhone 18 lineup should also be taken with a grain of salt. However, the idea that Apple is working on bringing ultra-high-resolution photography to the iPhone is in line with broader industry trends and user demands. For now, Apple’s experiments point to a future when iPhones will have camera systems capable of rivalling professional-grade devices. Until there’s an official announcement, enthusiasts and industry watchers will be keeping a close eye on any further developments. As ever with Apple, innovation can take time – but when it finally arrives it often sets a new standard.
