If you’ve been scrolling through social media lately, you might have seen the “big news” about Apple finally jumping on the 200-megapixel camera bandwagon.
It’s an exciting thought—iPhone photography has always been about that perfect balance of software and hardware, and a sensor that massive could be a game-changer. But if you’re planning to trade in your current phone just for that extra resolution, you might want to get comfortable.
According to a fresh report from Morgan Stanley that’s making waves this week, we likely won’t see a 200MP sensor in an iPhone until 2028. That would put it on the iPhone 21 Pro, which feels like a lifetime away in tech years.
Apple Is Following Its Usual “Wait And Perfect” Strategy!
While Android rivals like Samsung have been sporting 200MP sensors for a while now, Apple is playing its usual game of “wait and perfect.” Word from the supply chain is that they are currently evaluating materials and sensors—ironically, likely sourced from Samsung—but haven’t even started real-world prototype testing yet.
For the upcoming iPhone 18 later this year, the focus seems to be on a new variable-aperture system and better low-light performance rather than a raw megapixel race. It’s a classic Apple move: focusing on how the photo actually feels rather than just how big the file is. So, for now, your 48MP shots are still the gold standard in the Apple ecosystem.
