Highlights
- Apple has tested a 200MP periscope telephoto sensor but leaks suggest it won’t arrive on iPhones until 2028.
- Apple is prioritising optical versatility and low‑light performance with the iPhone 18 Pro expected to feature 48MP primary.
- This marks a shift from earlier rumors of a 2027 debut.
Apple is reportedly not planning to introduce a 200-megapixel telephoto camera on its iPhones anytime soon. According to well-known tipster Digital Chat Station on Weibo, the feature is unlikely to make its way to iPhones before 2028 even though the company has already tested such technology internally. Here’s more on that.
No 200MP Telephoto Camera on iPhone Yet
In a recent post shared on Weibo, the leaker claimed that Apple has evaluated a 200-megapixel sensor designed for a periscope style telephoto camera.
However, the adoption of the high-resolution sensor despite this testing phase is still expected to be at least a couple of years away.
While no exact reason was provided for the delay, the leaker has previously highlighted Apple’s continued emphasis on enhancing optical versatility and low-light photography rather than simply increasing megapixel count.
This approach is expected to continue with upcoming models like the iPhone 18 Pro, which is rumored to feature a 48-megapixel primary camera with variable aperture support. Additionally, it could include a 48-megapixel telephoto sensor with a longer focal length and a wider aperture for improved zoom and low-light performance.
Previous Reports on 200MP iPhone Camera
Interestingly, this latest update marks a shift in the leaker’s earlier stance. Back in March, Digital Chat Station had suggested that a 200-megapixel sensor might debut in an iPhone as early as next year. However, more recent supply chain insights appear to contradict that possibility.
Separately, Morgan Stanley reported in January that Apple is targeting a 200-megapixel camera upgrade for iPhones around 2028. With both sources now pointing to a similar timeline, expectations for such a feature have effectively been pushed further into the future.
A 200-megapixel camera would allow iPhones to capture images with significantly higher detail and enable more aggressive cropping to have larger prints without compromising image quality.
For comparison, Samsung has already implemented a 200-megapixel rear camera in the Galaxy S23 Ultra in 2023 and continues to offer similar high-resolution sensors in its newer flagship models.
FAQS
Q1. When is Apple expected to introduce a 200MP telephoto camera on iPhones?
Answer. Leaks suggest the feature may not arrive until 2028, despite Apple already testing the technology internally.
Q2. What camera upgrades are expected in upcoming iPhones instead?
Answer. Apple is focusing on optical versatility and low‑light performance, with the iPhone 18 Pro rumored to feature 48MP primary and telephoto cameras with variable aperture and longer focal length.
Q3. How does Apple’s approach compare to competitors?
Answer. Unlike Apple, Samsung has already implemented 200MP sensors in its flagship models such as the Galaxy S23 Ultra.