The time when iPhones had 200 MP cameras.

Researchers from investment bank Morgan Stanley say Apple will upgrade the iPhone camera to 200 MP in 2028.

Apple is expected to upgrade the iPhone camera to 200 MP in 2028. Photo: AppleInsider .

Android smartphone manufacturers have long since reached the 200MP camera threshold, with representatives from Samsung and Xiaomi. Apple, however, seems to be taking it easy with a 48MP sensor on its latest iPhone, the 17 Pro Max.

However, the latest report from Morgan Stanley has outlined an ambitious camera upgrade roadmap for Apple, but users may have to wait longer than expected.

There have been many rumors promising that Apple will upgrade to a 200MP camera sensor on the iPhone 18 series. However, according to a note to investors from Morgan Stanley, users will not be able to experience a 200MP camera until 2028.

Explaining the delay, researchers believe Apple does not want to be dependent on a single partner. Postponing the upgrade gives the company time to establish a more secure supply chain.

This move is also believed to be part of a plan to increase iPhone component production in the US. Samsung – a potential partner to supply 200MP sensors for iPhones – currently owns a manufacturing plant in Austin, Texas.

This is both a technological upgrade and a way to "please" President Trump's domestic manufacturing policies.

Besides predicting the launch date of the 200MP camera, the Morgan Stanley report also revealed an interesting detail about the shift in power within Apple's supply chain.

Specifically, sources indicate that Sony – a long-time supplier of image sensors to Apple – appears to have failed to catch up with Samsung's 200MP camera technology.

Not only the main camera, but Sony's position in the LiDAR sensor market is also under threat. Morgan Stanley revealed that Apple is in negotiations with STMicro to become an additional or alternative supplier, in order to reduce the risk of dependence.

The ultimate goal of adding suppliers like Samsung for cameras and STMicro for LiDAR is not only to ensure production volume but also to compete on price. Morgan Stanley believes that this competition will allow the iPhone manufacturer to reduce input component costs.

Source: https://znews.vn/thoi-diem-iphone-co-camera-200-mp-post1617700.html