Apple smartphones are expected to eventually feature 200-megapixel cameras, following in the footsteps of many Chinese flagships. However, this upgrade won’t happen overnight. According to Morgan Stanley analysts, Apple has already decided to implement the 200-megapixel camera in the iPhone 21, likely in the Pro models. 
Apple Insider Photo.
It’s worth noting that Apple plans to skip the iPhone 19 lineup, aiming to release the iPhone 20 in 2027 to celebrate the series’ 20th anniversary. In this scenario, the iPhone 21 would debut in 2028. Of course, there are no details yet about the image sensor. It’s quite possible that the one to be used in the new iPhones hasn’t even been released yet.
Remarkably, the first smartphone featuring a 200-megapixel camera emerged in 2022, namely the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra (also known as Moto X30 Pro). These sensors are now being used even in telephoto lenses.
As Apple gears up for these innovations, the smartphone industry is witnessing rapid advancements in camera technology. Companies are focusing on enhancing AI capabilities for photography, pushing the boundaries of what smartphone cameras can achieve. This trend aligns with the growing consumer demand for superior camera quality, likely influencing Apple’s decision to eventually adopt these high-resolution sensors.
