Overview
- Morgan Stanley’s investor note, reported by AppleInsider, forecasts the first 200MP iPhone in 2028, likely on the iPhone 21, with Samsung providing the sensor.
- Coverage indicates Apple will keep 48MP rear cameras through the 2026 and 2027 models, continuing its emphasis on computational imaging and optics.
- Supply-chain leaker Digital Chat Station says 200MP components are at a material evaluation stage and have not appeared in active iPhone engineering prototypes, and Apple is also evaluating multispectral imaging sensors.
- The research points to supplier diversification efforts, including talks with STMicroelectronics for LiDAR, while Face ID components remain with LITE and under‑display Face ID is predicted for 2027.
- Analysts note Apple could shift some camera sensor production to Samsung’s Austin, Texas facility as part of a broader push to reduce risk and manage costs.