Highlights
- Apple is reportedly evaluating multispectral imaging technology for future iPhones, though formal testing has not yet begun.
- Multispectral cameras could improve material recognition, subject separation, portraits, and computational photography.
- Leaks suggest iPhone 18 Pro may feature a variable aperture main camera and a larger aperture telephoto lens, but no 200MP sensor prototypes yet.
The rumour mill is always working overtime when it comes to any new experiments that Apple might be conducting for its upcoming product lineup. The latest word to hit online rumours is about the possible camera tech for future iPhones.
It appears Apple might be evaluating multispectral imaging technology for future iPhone models. If true, this move could significantly enhance camera intelligence, material recognition, and overall image processing. The information comes from a new supply chain-related leak originating in China.
Multispectral Imaging Technology in Future iPhones
According to a post on Weibo by well-known tipster Digital Chat Station, Apple is currently reviewing multispectral imaging components within its supply chain. However, the leaker notes that formal testing has not yet started, indicating that the technology is still in an early exploratory phase rather than active development.
The post also reiterated that the main camera on the iPhone 18 Pro models is expected to feature a variable aperture, while the telephoto lens could gain a larger aperture. The leaker also claimed that Apple has not yet begun prototyping 200-megapixel camera sensors for future iPhone models.
As for Multispectral imaging, it goes beyond conventional smartphone photography, which relies on red, green, and blue light data. Instead, it captures images across multiple and distinct wavelength bands, potentially including near-infrared and other narrow spectral ranges. This allows cameras to gather information that standard sensors typically cannot detect.
iPhone camera module internal design. (Image credit – Apple)
How Can It Improve Camera Quality?
If introduced in future iPhones, multispectral cameras could improve how the device differentiates between materials and surfaces. The camera could more accurately identify elements such as skin, fabric, vegetation, or reflective objects by analysing light reflection across various wavelengths.
This could lead to better subject separation, cleaner portraits, and more reliable computational photography effects.
The technology could also enhance image processing in challenging or mixed lighting conditions. Additionally, multispectral data may strengthen Apple’s Visual Intelligence and on-device machine learning capabilities, potentially improving object recognition, scene understanding and depth estimation.
Despite its advantages, multispectral imaging would require more complex sensor designs. This could increase production costs and place additional pressure on internal space constraints inside the iPhone. These challenges may explain why Apple is reportedly still assessing the technology rather than actively testing it in prototype devices.
FAQs
Q1. What camera technology is Apple rumoured to be exploring for future iPhones?
Answer. Apple is reportedly evaluating multispectral imaging technology, which captures data across multiple wavelength bands beyond standard RGB.
Q2. How could multispectral cameras improve iPhone photography?
Answer. They could enhance material recognition, subject separation, portraits, and computational photography, while boosting machine learning for object recognition, scene understanding, and depth estimation.
Q3. What other camera-related rumours exist about upcoming iPhone models?
Answer. Leaks suggest the iPhone 18 Pro may feature a variable aperture main camera and a larger aperture telephoto lens, but Apple has not begun prototyping 200MP sensors.