Apple is reportedly testing a 200-megapixel digicam sensor for future iPhone fashions, doubtlessly matching or surpassing the capabilities of high-resolution cameras present in flagship Android units from Chinese language producers like Xiaomi and Vivo.
In response to a leak from the Weibo account Digital Chat Station, Apple is presently experimenting with this new sensor, which may finally substitute the 48 MP main digicam launched with the iPhone 14 Professional in 2022. The numerous enhance in megapixel rely suggests Apple is aiming to boost photograph and video high quality significantly in upcoming fashions.
Nonetheless, merely rising decision doesn’t assure higher picture high quality. For a 200 MP sensor to ship true enhancements, it could have to be bodily bigger to seize extra gentle and element. The supply didn’t verify whether or not Apple plans to make use of a bigger sensor or the way it will deal with potential picture processing challenges.
One possible implementation may contain pixel binning, a way the place a number of pixels are mixed to enhance efficiency in low gentle and create extra detailed photos. That is frequent in Android telephones with high-megapixel sensors and will enable Apple to supply higher-resolution images than the present 48 MP digicam whereas balancing file dimension and readability.
One other risk is that Apple may use the 200 MP sensor for its telephoto lens, somewhat than the primary broad lens. The excessive decision would enable for lossless digital zoom by cropping into the picture with out considerably degrading high quality—a way already utilized by rivals. In best lighting circumstances, this might considerably enhance zoom efficiency whereas sustaining sharpness.
Regardless of the promising leak, it’s extremely unlikely {that a} 200 MP digicam will debut with the iPhone 17 Professional, anticipated in 2025. Apple usually finalizes {hardware} months forward of a product launch, and main sensor adjustments require long-term planning, testing, and manufacturing changes. Subsequently, the primary iPhone to function this enhanced digicam expertise will possible arrive in 2026 or later.
Whereas no official pricing is on the market for the rumored system, Professional-level iPhones usually begin round $999 USD. A future iPhone with a 200 MP sensor may preserve an identical value vary or doubtlessly enhance, relying on the scope of different upgrades included within the mannequin.
