Apple Might Be Testing a 200MP Camera for a Future iPhone, Alongside Big Design Changes

 Highlights

• Apple is testing a 200MP camera sensor for future iPhones, potentially debuting in the iPhone 19 in 2027.
• Major design changes are expected over the next few iPhone generations, including a hole-punch display for the iPhone 18 and a full-screen design with hidden Face ID and front camera in the iPhone 19.
• The iPhone 17 lineup will introduce the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air and Pro models featuring a refreshed camera bar on the back.

Caption – Latest leaked dummy units of the upcoming iPhone 17 Series. (Image credit – Apple Track on YouTube)

Apple is reportedly testing a powerful 200-megapixel camera sensor, which could completely change how future iPhones handle photography. If this pans out, it might be one of the biggest upgrades in years. A recent leak suggests that this high-resolution sensor could show up in a future iPhone with talk of major design changes coming over the next few years. Here’s what we know.

Apple Testing 200MP Camera

Caption – Tipster Digital Chat Station’s recent post on Weibo. (Translated via Google Translate)

According to popular Weibo tipster Digital Chat Station, Apple is currently testing this 200MP sensor, which is likely meant for the main camera of a future iPhone. We know that the iPhone 17 lineup is set to launch in 2025 and has already locked in design-wise. This means the next-gen 200MP sensor could debut in the iPhone 19, which would arrive in 2027 marking the iPhone’s 20th anniversary.

There aren’t any more details at the moment. No information was shared on the exact sensor or which model it’ll go into, but it’s a big deal nonetheless.

Among Apple’s rivals, Samsung has been using 200MP sensors in its Ultra phones and now the S25 Edge, while most other brands have only experimented with them occasionally.

Expected iPhone Design Changes

In a separate leak, the same tipster also hinted at some bold design changes over the next three iPhone generations.

Caption – Tipster Digital Chat Station’s recent post on Weibo. (Translated via Google Translate)

For the iPhone 18, Apple may go with a hole-punch screen and put Face ID under the display. By the time the iPhone 19 rolls around, we could see a true full-screen design with both the front camera and Face ID hidden beneath the screen. If that’s true, iPhones could be heading for a much cleaner, more immersive look.

Meanwhile, details about the upcoming iPhone 17 series are starting to surface. The iPhone 17 Air is rumored to be just 5.5mm to 5.6mm thick and will come with a “horizontal runway” camera layout, making it super slim and sleek. The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will stick with a design similar to the iPhone 16 Pro but will add a new “camera bar” on the back for a fresh twist.

With Apple testing a 200MP sensor and exploring futuristic display tech, it looks like the company is preparing for a big leap in both camera performance and overall design.

FAQs

Q1. Is Apple working on a 200MP camera for future iPhones?

Answer. Yes, Apple is reportedly testing a powerful 200-megapixel camera sensor, which could significantly enhance photography capabilities in future iPhones. This sensor might debut in the iPhone 19, expected to launch in 2027.

Q2. What design changes are coming to the iPhone?

Answer. Apple is rumoured to introduce a hole-punch display with under-display Face ID in the iPhone 18. By the iPhone 19, it could feature a full-screen design with both the front camera and Face ID hidden beneath the display for a cleaner and more immersive look.

Q3. What are the expected changes in the iPhone 17 lineup?

Answer. The iPhone 17 Air is rumoured to be ultra-thin, measuring just 5.5mm to 5.6mm thick, with a “horizontal runway” camera layout. The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will retain a similar design to the iPhone 16 Pro but will introduce a new “camera bar” on the back.

Also Read: iPhone 17 Series leaks: Slimmer design, new Air model, specs, colours, prices and expected launch

Also Read: iPhone 17 Air leaked image shows slimmer design compared to iPhone 16 Plus