Apple’s iPhones are known for their photography prowess, and now a new report suggests the company is preparing its biggest camera upgrade yet. According to an investor note by Morgan Stanley, Apple is working on an iPhone featuring a 200-megapixel camera sensor, which could debut in 2028.

While rumours of a 200MP iPhone have surfaced before, this is the first time a clear timeline has been mentioned.

Not a New Rumour, But a Clearer Timeline

Last year, popular tipster Digital Chat Station claimed that Apple was internally testing a 200MP camera sensor for future iPhones. However, there was no indication of when such a device might actually launch.

The Morgan Stanley report now suggests that Apple is planning to introduce the 200MP camera around 2028, indicating that users may have to wait two to three more iPhone generations.

Will the iPhone 18 Get a 200MP Camera?

According to the report, the answer is no.

Currently, Apple uses 48MP sensors across all rear cameras—main, ultra-wide, and telephoto. The shift from 12MP to 48MP started with the main camera and later expanded to other lenses, allowing Apple to combine higher detail with computational photography techniques such as pixel binning.

The report suggests Apple will stick with 48MP sensors for the upcoming iPhone generations, including the iPhone 18 series, before making the jump to 200MP.

Samsung May Supply Apple’s 200MP Camera Sensor

An interesting detail highlighted by AppleInsider is the role of Samsung. Despite being Apple’s biggest smartphone rival, Samsung is expected to supply the 200MP camera sensors for future iPhones.

Morgan Stanley notes that Samsung could manufacture these sensors at its Austin, Texas facility. This wouldn’t be unusual—Samsung already supplies several critical components used in Apple devices, including displays and memory.

What This Means for iPhone Users

• Apple is prioritising image quality over megapixel count, which explains the slow transition

• A 200MP iPhone is still a few years away, likely launching in 2028

• The iPhone 18 lineup is expected to retain 48MP cameras

• Apple may rely on Samsung’s camera sensor technology for this leap