A 200-megapixel camera is no longer a novelty in Android phones in 2026. In fact, some brands are even trying to fit two of them in a single device. Apple, meanwhile, is still playing it safe. Even the iPhone 17 Pro tops out at a 48MP main camera.
And according to a new report, that conservative streak isn’t ending anytime soon.
A note to investors from Morgan Stanley, spotted by AppleInsider, suggests that Apple won’t introduce a 200MP camera on the iPhone until 2028. If Apple sticks to its current naming convention, that device would likely be called the iPhone 21.
iPhone 18 Pro features a 48MP variable aperture camera
Backing that up, a well-known tipster on Weibo claims that Apple is currently testing a 200MP camera sensor, and it’s said to be sourced from Samsung. The tipster, however, rules out the possibility of a 200MP sensor appearing on the iPhone 18 lineup.
Instead, the iPhone 18 Pro series is reportedly set to feature a 48MP main camera with a variable aperture, paired with a 48MP periscope telephoto lens with a large aperture.
The tipster adds that Apple is also exploring the use of a multispectral sensor on future iPhones. Testing hasn’t begun yet, though, as the technology is still under supply chain evaluation.
For those unaware, unlike standard RGB camera sensors, a multispectral sensor can capture light beyond the visible red, green, and blue spectra. In theory, that could lead to more accurate color reproduction, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
Huawei already uses multispectral sensors in its Pura 80 series, and Android brands are likely to follow suit. Apple may once again be watching its rivals experiment before making its own move.
As usual, Apple is less interested in winning the megapixel race and more focused on waiting until the tech fits its ecosystem.
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