Apple’s future iPhone roadmap is already generating buzz, with new reports suggesting a major camera overhaul planned for the iPhone 21 series, expected to launch in 2028. According to industry research, the Cupertino-based tech giant may finally introduce hardware upgrades that Android rivals have offered for years. This move signals a strategic shift in Apple’s imaging technology.
A report citing a Morgan Stanley research note claims that the iPhone 21 lineup will feature a 200-megapixel rear camera sensor. If true, this would mark the first time Apple adopts such high-resolution camera hardware in its smartphones. The sensor is reportedly being sourced from Samsung, ending Apple’s long-standing reliance on Sony for key camera components.
The decision to partner with Samsung is said to stem from performance limitations in Sony’s current CMOS sensor technology. Samsung’s sensors reportedly met Apple’s stringent requirements, leading to plans for manufacturing at Samsung’s Texas facility. This change could significantly impact Apple’s supply chain strategy in the coming years.
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In addition to camera sensors, Apple is also exploring alternative suppliers for LiDAR components. While Sony currently supplies LiDAR sensors, reports suggest Apple is in discussions with STMicro as a potential replacement. However, Face ID sensors are expected to continue being sourced from LITE despite these shifts.
The report also notes that Apple’s 20th anniversary iPhone models, likely launching in 2027, may feature under-display Face ID technology. This would further streamline the design and reduce reliance on visible sensor cutouts. More clarity on these innovations is expected as Apple’s development timeline progresses.
At present, Apple’s latest iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max models, launched in September 2025, feature triple 48-megapixel rear cameras and an upgraded 18-megapixel front-facing camera. While these improvements refined performance, the rumoured 200MP upgrade in the iPhone 21 series could represent Apple’s most significant leap in smartphone photography to date.
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