Apple May Be Developing Powerful 200 MP Camera For Future iPhones

Apple is reportedly testing a 200-megapixel camera sensor for future iPhone models, potentially matching or surpassing the capabilities of high-resolution cameras found in flagship Android devices from Chinese manufacturers like Xiaomi and Vivo.

According to a leak from the Weibo account Digital Chat Station, Apple is currently experimenting with this new sensor, which could eventually replace the 48 MP primary camera introduced with the iPhone 14 Pro in 2022. The significant increase in megapixel count suggests Apple is aiming to enhance photo and video quality considerably in upcoming models.

However, simply increasing resolution does not guarantee better image quality. For a 200 MP sensor to deliver true improvements, it would need to be physically larger to capture more light and detail. The source did not confirm whether Apple plans to use a larger sensor or how it will address potential image processing challenges.

One likely implementation could involve pixel binning, a technique where multiple pixels are combined to improve performance in low light and create more detailed images. This is common in Android phones with high-megapixel sensors and could allow Apple to produce higher-resolution photos than the current 48 MP camera while balancing file size and clarity.

Another possibility is that Apple could use the 200 MP sensor for its telephoto lens, rather than the main wide lens. The high resolution would allow for lossless digital zoom by cropping into the image without significantly degrading quality—a method already used by rivals. In ideal lighting conditions, this could significantly improve zoom performance while maintaining sharpness.

Despite the promising leak, it is highly unlikely that a 200 MP camera will debut with the iPhone 17 Pro, expected in 2025. Apple typically finalizes hardware months ahead of a product launch, and major sensor changes require long-term planning, testing, and manufacturing adjustments. Therefore, the first iPhone to feature this enhanced camera technology will likely arrive in 2026 or later.

While no official pricing is available for the rumored device, Pro-level iPhones typically start around $999 USD. A future iPhone with a 200 MP sensor could maintain a similar price range or potentially increase, depending on the scope of other upgrades included in the model.

Filed in Cellphones >Rumors. Read more about Apple, Rumor and Rumors.