Apple is reportedly testing a 200-megapixel digicam sensor for future iPhone fashions, probably matching or surpassing the capabilities of high-resolution cameras present in flagship Android units from Chinese language producers like Xiaomi and Vivo.
In keeping with a leak from the Weibo account Digital Chat Station, Apple is at the moment experimenting with this new sensor, which might ultimately change the 48 MP major digicam launched with the iPhone 14 Professional in 2022. The numerous improve in megapixel depend suggests Apple is aiming to boost photograph and video high quality significantly in upcoming fashions.
Nonetheless, merely growing decision doesn’t assure higher picture high quality. For a 200 MP sensor to ship true enhancements, it could must be bodily bigger to seize extra mild and element. The supply didn’t affirm whether or not Apple plans to make use of a bigger sensor or the way it will deal with potential picture processing challenges.
One seemingly implementation might contain pixel binning, a method the place a number of pixels are mixed to enhance efficiency in low mild and create extra detailed photos. That is widespread in Android telephones with high-megapixel sensors and will permit Apple to supply higher-resolution pictures than the present 48 MP digicam whereas balancing file measurement and readability.
One other chance is that Apple might use the 200 MP sensor for its telephoto lens, slightly than the primary large lens. The excessive decision would permit for lossless digital zoom by cropping into the picture with out considerably degrading high quality—a way already utilized by rivals. In ultimate lighting situations, this might considerably enhance zoom efficiency whereas sustaining sharpness.
Regardless of the promising leak, it’s extremely unlikely {that a} 200 MP digicam will debut with the iPhone 17 Professional, anticipated in 2025. Apple usually finalizes {hardware} months forward of a product launch, and main sensor modifications require long-term planning, testing, and manufacturing changes. Due to this fact, the primary iPhone to characteristic this enhanced digicam know-how will seemingly arrive in 2026 or later.
Whereas no official pricing is obtainable for the rumored gadget, Professional-level iPhones usually begin round $999 USD. A future iPhone with a 200 MP sensor might preserve an identical value vary or probably improve, relying on the scope of different upgrades included within the mannequin.
