Apple might still be riding high on the success of its iPhone 17 series, but eyes are already turning toward the future – specifically the iPhone 21 lineup. According to new reports, Apple is planning a major camera upgrade for the 2028 iPhone 21 series, one that could finally bring the Cupertino giant on par with its Android rivals in the megapixel race.
Upgrade
Let’s get straight to the big news: Apple is reportedly planning to equip the iPhone 21 with a 200-megapixel camera sensor, a first for any iPhone. For context, the current iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max feature three 48MP cameras – primary, ultrawide, and telephoto – all of which already deliver excellent photography results.
But Android flagships have been ahead in terms of pure megapixel count for a while now, with several brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, and Motorola already offering 200MP sensors.
The move could help Apple close that spec-sheet gap while also boosting image resolution, cropping ability, and digital zoom performance – all without sacrificing image quality.
Samsung
Here’s the interesting part – Apple won’t be making the new sensor itself, nor will it be sourced from Sony, its usual camera module supplier. Instead, reports suggest Apple will source this new CMOS sensor from Samsung, the same tech giant that supplies top-tier sensors to many of its Android competitors.
This CMOS sensor is said to be produced at Samsung’s Texas facility, and apparently beat out Sony in terms of performance and Apple’s specific requirements. That’s a major shift in strategy, especially considering Sony has been the backbone of iPhone cameras for years.
Sony
So, why the switch? According to insiders, Sony’s sensor technology failed to meet Apple’s standards for the next generation of camera hardware. With smartphone photography becoming more competitive each year, Apple is reportedly looking for the best tech out there – and for now, Samsung’s imaging hardware seems to have the edge.
But the shake-up doesn’t stop there. Apple is also said to be looking into alternative suppliers for LiDAR sensors, which are currently supplied by Sony as well. STMicro is reportedly in talks as a potential replacement. Clearly, Apple is diversifying its supply chain to avoid over-reliance on one company.
FaceID
While Apple seems ready to ditch Sony for camera and LiDAR modules, it appears to be staying loyal to LITE for Face ID sensors, at least for now. This supplier is expected to continue providing the hardware for Apple’s biometric face recognition system, even as the tech evolves.
Speaking of evolution, Morgan Stanley’s research note hints at a big design change for the 2027 iPhone models, possibly called the iPhone 20. These phones could feature under-display Face ID sensors, a long-rumored upgrade that could allow Apple to finally deliver a truly notch-less screen. Combine that with the massive camera upgrade the following year, and the iPhone lineup is shaping up to be very exciting in the next few cycles.
Current
For now, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max remain the flagships to beat. Launched in September 2025, these models sport:
- Triple 48MP rear cameras (wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto)
- Telephoto sensor that’s 56% larger than the previous-gen 12MP module
- 8x optical zoom and up to 40x digital zoom
- 18MP front-facing camera with Centre Stage tech for better tracking
Here’s a quick comparison table:
| Model | Main Camera | Zoom (Optical/Digital) | Selfie Camera |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | 48MP Triple | 8x / 40x | 18MP |
| iPhone 16 Pro | 48MP + 12MP | 5x / 25x | 12MP |
| iPhone 21 (rumored) | 200MP Samsung | TBD | TBD |
Outlook
The move to a 200MP sensor might sound like Apple playing catch-up, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Apple has always prioritized real-world camera performance over headline-grabbing specs. If they can combine their software optimization with Samsung’s high-resolution sensor tech, the result could be a best-of-both-worlds scenario.
With the iPhone 20 expected to get under-display Face ID in 2027 and the iPhone 21 introducing the 200MP upgrade in 2028, the next few years could bring the biggest leaps in iPhone hardware in a long time.
FAQs
Will iPhone 21 get a 200MP camera?
Yes, it’s expected to feature a 200MP Samsung sensor.
Who is supplying the new iPhone camera sensor?
Samsung will supply the CMOS sensor for iPhone 21.
Why is Apple switching from Sony?
Sony’s tech reportedly failed to meet Apple’s needs.
Will Face ID go under display soon?
Yes, iPhone 20 may get under-display Face ID in 2027.
Is the iPhone 17 camera still good?
Yes, it features triple 48MP sensors and solid zoom.
