Highlights
- Leaks suggest Apple is experimenting with a 200MP 1/1.12-inch camera sensor.
- Oppo Find X9 Ultra may debut dual 200MP cameras with a 10x telephoto lens in April.
- Previous leaks and analyst notes hinted at 200MP sensors in future iPhones, possibly sourced from Samsung.
It seems Apple is exploring a significant upgrade to its iPhone camera hardware. Recent leaks from China suggest the company is testing a high-resolution camera sensor, which is something Apple has largely stayed away from so far. Here’s what we know so far.
Apple May Bring 200-Megapixel Camera to Future iPhones
According to tipster Digital Chat Station on Weibo, Apple is currently testing a 200-megapixel 1/1.12-inch camera sensor. The leak indicates that the sensor could be used as early as next year. This could be Apple may be reconsidering its camera strategy by experimenting with higher-resolution hardware for future iPhone models.
DCS’s recent post. (Translated via Google Translate)
The tipster also shared details about Oppo’s next flagship, claiming that the Oppo Find X9 Ultra may include dual 200-megapixel cameras along with a 10x telephoto lens. The report further suggests that Oppo is currently ahead of Apple in terms of hardware with the smartphone expected to launch in April.
Notably, there has been no official confirmation from Apple so far. The Cupertino-based company is known for keeping details about upcoming hardware under wraps until the official launch of new devices.
Because of this, the information should be viewed with caution, as final specifications could change by the time the product is released.
Previous Rumours About a 200MP iPhone Camera
This is not the first time reports have suggested that Apple could adopt a 200-megapixel sensor in future iPhones. Back in May 2025, the same tipster had indicated that a future iPhone model might debut with a 200-megapixel camera.
In addition, a report from January citing a research note from Morgan Stanley claimed that the iPhone 21 series is expected to launch in 2028 and could become the first iPhone lineup to feature a 200-megapixel camera sensor.
The report also mentioned that Apple had plans to source the CMOS sensor from Samsung with production expected to take place at the company’s Texas facility. According to the note, Samsung was preferred over Sony due to better performance, while Apple had also explored STMicro as a possible alternative supplier for LiDAR sensors.
Most smartphone makers today push for high-resolution sensors and advanced camera hardware. Apple may also be preparing to take a similar step in future iPhone models while continuing to refine its imaging technology. If the leaks turn out to be accurate, this could mean a change in Apple’s approach to smartphone photography.
FAQs
Q1. What camera upgrade is Apple reportedly testing?
Answer. Apple is said to be testing a 200-megapixel 1/1.12-inch sensor, which could appear in future iPhone models as early as next year.
Q2. Which smartphone might debut with a 200MP sensor before Apple?
Answer. The Oppo Find X9 Ultra is rumoured to launch in April with dual 200MP cameras and a 10x telephoto lens, potentially ahead of Apple’s adoption.
Q3. Has Apple officially confirmed the 200MP sensor for iPhones?
Answer. No, Apple has not confirmed these reports. The company typically keeps hardware details secret until official product launches.