Apple's ambitious camera upgrade plan revealed
Apple is said to be testing 200MP camera technology for future iPhone Pro models, marking a major shift in the company's rather cautious camera upgrade strategy for many years.
According to sources from the digital chat station account, a technology information provider famous on the Weibo platform, Apple is testing a 200MP 1/1.2 inch sensor for the main camera.
If this information is accurate, this will be a larger sensor than the 200MP 1/1.3 inch type that Samsung is using on flagship models such as the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
Larger sensor sizes often allow for more light reception, thereby improving image quality in low light conditions, increasing detail and dynamic contrast bands.
Currently, Apple still maintains a 48MP sensor on recent iPhone lines, although 200MP camera technology has appeared on the Android market for several years.
This "slow but steady" approach is Apple's familiar strategy, as the company often optimizes software and user experience instead of racing for specifications.
Some sources say that the 200MP sensor that Apple is testing may be similar to Sony LYT-901, a high-end sensor line expected to appear on upcoming Android flagships.
However, Apple is likely to continue to use sensors from Sony and customize them according to its own standards.
Notably, the 200MP camera, if equipped, will mainly be for the main lens, while the ultra-wide-angle and telephoto cameras may still maintain the 48MP level.
However, this is still a significant upgrade compared to the current camera system.
Previously, a report from Morgan Stanley in early 2026 also showed that Apple is researching this technology and may put it into commercial products from 2028.
However, it is still unclear whether the 200MP sensor will only appear on the Pro line or be expanded to standard versions.
In addition, Apple is said to be changing its iPhone launch strategy in the coming years, dividing product announcements into smaller phases. This opens up the possibility that a 200MP camera may debut on the iPhone 19 Pro, a folding screen iPhone model or a special edition celebrating 20 years.
iPhone 18 may mark a major turning point for Apple
Apple is said to be planning to change its iPhone launch strategy, starting from the iPhone 18 line, with an approach of dividing the product launch time instead of organizing a single event as before.
According to many sources, high-end versions including iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max may be introduced in September 2026.
However, standard versions such as iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e are likely to be released later, in the spring of 2027. This is considered a notable adjustment to extend the media life cycle and optimize sales.
Notably, Apple may launch the first folding screen iPhone at the same launch at the end of 2026. This device is said to have a book-like folding design, similar to many folding smartphones currently on the market.
The machine may have an external screen of about 5.3 inches and an indoor screen of 7.6 inches when opened.
In terms of design, Apple is said to use a high-end titanium frame, while focusing on minimizing folds on the screen - a common weakness of folding phones.
To optimize space, the company can integrate the Touch ID fingerprint sensor into the power button instead of using Face ID. The expected price of this device is quite high, ranging from 1,800 to 2,500 USD, making it one of Apple's most expensive products.
Not only changing the launch form, the iPhone 18 line is also expected to have a major step forward in performance. Apple may equip the A20 chip manufactured on TSMC's 2nm process, while the Pro versions will use a more powerful A20 Pro variant.
The entire product line, including the folded model, can be upgraded to 12GB of RAM, helping to improve processing capabilities and save energy.
Regarding the camera, Apple is said to be raising the resolution to 24MP for both standard versions. Meanwhile, Pro models may be equipped with flexible aperture lenses, allowing users to adjust light and depth of field more flexibly when shooting.
The screens on the entire product line can also be improved in brightness, while the Dynamic Island area on Pro models will be miniaturized, bringing a larger display space.
For standard versions such as iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e, the overall design may not change too much compared to the previous generation.
