iPhones won’t get 200MP cameras anytime soon

Back in 2019, Android smartphones began offering 48MP cameras, but it took several years for Apple to follow suit. The iPhone 14 Pro series, launched in 2022, became the first iPhones to feature a 48MP camera. In 2026, several Android smartphone brands are launching 200MP camera phones across different price segments. But when will Apple introduce a 200MP iPhone? A new leak sheds some light on Apple’s timeline.

200MP iPhone to launch in 2028

According to tipster Digital Chat Station, the iPhone 18 is unlikely to feature a 200MP camera, and such a sensor was never part of Apple’s original roadmap. Earlier engineering prototypes of the Pro models were reportedly equipped with a 48MP primary camera featuring a variable aperture, paired with a 48MP periscope telephoto lens with a larger aperture.

A 200MP sensor is currently being evaluated at the materials level and is said to be sourced from Samsung, though it remains in an early testing phase. Apple is also exploring multispectral camera sensors, with the supply chain assessing their feasibility, although active testing has not yet begun.

Meanwhile, a report by Apple Insider, citing Morgan Stanley, claims that an iPhone featuring a 200MP camera will be released in 2028. If this timeline holds true, the iPhone 21 could become Apple’s first smartphone to feature a 200MP camera.

2026 iPhone lineup

The entry-level iPhone 17e is expected to be Apple’s first iPhone launch of 2026. Tipped to arrive as early as February, the iPhone 17e is said to feature an 18MP front camera, a 48MP rear camera, and the Apple A19 chip.

The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, powered by the next-generation Apple A20 Pro chip built on a 2nm process, are expected to debut in September this year. These models are also tipped to feature an under-display front-facing camera.

The iPhone Fold (tentative name) is expected to debut alongside the iPhone 18 Pro series. Apple’s first foldable phone is said to adopt a wider book-style design, offering a tablet-like display when unfolded. The device is also expected to feature a side-mounted Touch ID sensor.

As of now, there is no clarity on whether a second-generation iPhone Air will launch this year. Meanwhile, the standard iPhone 18 is expected to debut in early 2027, alongside the iPhone 18e.

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Stay tuned to Unboxed by Croma for all the updates about the upcoming iPhones.