The First 200MP iPhone May Arrive Sooner Than Expected

Apple is expected to take a major step in smartphone camera resolution over the next few years. A new investor note suggests the company has decided to introduce a 200MP camera in a future iPhone model, following earlier reports that it was already testing such technology.

Back in May, reports indicated Apple was experimenting with a 200MP camera sensor for a future iPhone, although no technical or timeline details were provided at the time. With 200MP cameras now common across many Android flagships, Apple’s interest in evaluating the technology aligns with broader industry trends.

According to a recent Morgan Stanley investor note, Apple has now finalized its plans and intends to use a 200MP camera in the iPhone 21, which is expected to launch in 2028. Apple is widely believed to name its 2027 lineup iPhone 20 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the original iPhone, making the following generation the iPhone 21.

The 200MP camera is expected to debut on higher-end models, most likely the iPhone 21 Pro Max and possibly the Pro variant as well. The sensor will reportedly be supplied by Samsung, although the exact model has not been disclosed. Given the long timeline, the specific sensor may not yet be officially announced.

The report also suggests that the camera sensor could be manufactured in the US by Samsung, though this detail has not been confirmed. As with earlier Apple hardware roadmaps, plans could still evolve before the iPhone 21 lineup becomes official.