Apple is reportedly investigating the possibility of adding a 200Mp camera to a future iPhone, matching the very best of Android in the process.
In a recent post on China’s Weibo network, established tipster Digital Chat Station cites “reliable sources from the supply chain” for claims that Apple is evaluating a 200Mp, 1/1.12-inch sensor to potentially be used in the main camera of a future iPhone.
The leaker claims that this is the very same component used in the forthcoming Oppo Find X9 Ultra. That would be the Sony LYT-901, which is also set to be used in the Vivo X300 Ultra (pictured below).
The ball is in Samsung’s court
If true, this would place the ball firmly in Samsung’s court. Samsung was early to the 200Mp main camera party, but the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra features the same 200Mp sensor as previous models.
This is a smaller 1/1.3-inch sensor than the Sony LYT-901 used by its more recent rivals, placing it at a disadvantage when it comes to light capture, potentially affecting everything from detail levels to night mode performance.
Alex Walker-Todd / Foundry
The post claims that Apple is looking to release a phone that utilises this new sensor next year, which would suggest that it will be the iPhone 19 Pro that benefits rather than the forthcoming iPhone 18 Pro.
Of course, that timing gives Samsung the opportunity to pre-empt Apple with a larger main camera sensor in the Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra. Sure enough, we recently heard a rumour that Samsung is working on a new 1/1.12-inch sensor of its own for its early 2027 flagship phone.
A big year for the iPhone
Credible reports have long stated that Apple’s 2027 iPhone will be a big deal, celebrating the influential phone’s 20th anniversary with a major overhaul.
It was claimed last year that the iPhone 19 Pro (or whatever it turns out to be called) would be a mostly glass, curved handset with no notch cutouts – a true next-generation smartphone design.
Presumably, Apple will be keen to give its camera hardware a corresponding next-gen boost. Before then, we can look forward to seeing what the foldable iPhone Ultra brings to the table.
