Apple to Adopt 200 MP Samsung Cameras for iPhone 21 in 2028

If you were hoping for a massive megapixel jump in the next iPhone, you might need to wait longer. With Android manufacturers having been offering 200 MP sensors for the last few years, a new report suggests Apple's first iPhone with a 200 MP camera may not arrive until 2028.

iPhone 21 could boast a 200 MP camera

According to Morgan Stanley, as reported by AppleInsider, the iPhone with a 200 MP camera may not launch before 2028. Apple is now planning to introduce 200 MP cameras starting with the iPhone 21, pushing the upgrade much further out than the previously rumoured iPhone 18 timeline.

The report also suggests that Apple will tap Samsung to supply these high-resolution cameras. This move could be due to the Cupertino giant wanting to diversify its supply chain and reduce reliance on Sony.

Interestingly, these components might be manufactured at Samsung's facility in Austin, Texas, aligning with Apple's recent goals of increasing US-based production. This could be due to the recent pressure from the US government to stick to make in US components, which has also affected brands like NVIDIA.

Beyond cameras, the analysts predict that for its 20th anniversary in 2027, Apple may switch to an under-display Face ID. The sensor supplier, LITE, is expected to stay the same, but the technology could finally allow for a full-screen, seamless look. Additionally, Apple is reportedly also in talks with STMicro to supply LiDAR sensor, broadening its supplier base.

That said, Morgan Stanley analysts predict that despite the potentially higher component costs, Apple could continue to absorb these prices and offer iPhones at still relatively the same prices. We've seen the likes of Samsung and Apple potentially absorbing the rising component costs due to the RAM crisis.

This suggests future iPhone prices could remain pretty much the same, which is great news for Apple fans around the world. The iPhone 18 Pro may use Apple A20 silicon manufactured on TSMC's 2nm yield, boasting exceptional performance upgrades. Besides, the iPhone 18 Pro could be sleeker by a decent margin and still feature a decent camera upgrade with the potential addition of variable aperture.

Besides, Apple's first foldable might arrive in the fall of 2026, and recent iPhone Fold leaks gave us our first good look at what the smartphone could end up looking like. More information about the upcoming iPhone 18 series should surface as we inch closer to launch, so stay tuned.