Morgan Stanley: iPhone Will Use 200MP Camera Starting 2028

Morgan Stanley said Apple plans to use a 200MP camera sensor made by Samsung (photo: x @pete_rizzo_)

Jakarta - Apple is expected to only adopt a 200 megapixel resolution camera on the iPhone starting in 2028, according to Morgan Stanley's latest research note to investors. If this projection is accurate, the high-resolution camera technology will debut on the 21st generation iPhone, not in the near future as previously predicted.

Morgan Stanley said Apple plans to use a 200MP camera sensor made by Samsung, with the Pro iPhone model predicted to be the first to adopt it. This move is not only related to improving the quality of photography, but also a supply chain diversification strategy so that Apple is not too dependent on one major supplier.

Until now, Sony has been the main supplier of iPhone camera sensors. However, the report indicates that Samsung is now ahead in ultra-high resolution sensor technology, while Sony is considered to have not been able to match the 200MP capabilities in the production scale that Apple wants.

Geopolitical and manufacturing factors also come into play. Morgan Stanley assessed Samsung's sensor use plan in line with Apple's efforts to increase component production in the United States. Samsung has a CMOS sensor production facility in Austin, Texas, which could potentially be part of the iPhone supply chain in the future.

Diversification of suppliers is also seen in other components. For LiDAR sensors, which are currently supplied by Sony, Apple is reportedly exploring cooperation with STMicro as an alternative. However, Morgan Stanley does not see changes in the Face ID supply chain for now. The component will still be produced by one supplier, LITE.

Even so, changes to the Face ID technology are still predicted. Morgan Stanley estimates that Face ID under the screen could be available in 2027, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the iPhone. If realized, this will be one of the biggest design changes since the introduction of Dynamic Island.

In terms of price, Morgan Stanley assessed that these measures are aimed at maintaining cost stability. Apple is expected to continue absorbing the increase in component prices instead of burdening it on consumers. This pattern is seen in the iPhone 17, when Apple chose to increase storage capacity without raising prices amid cost pressures and tariff issues.

In conclusion, the 200MP camera on the iPhone is not about "when megapixels explode", but about technological readiness, supply, and geopolitics. Apple seems to choose a slow but controlled path. In a fast-paced world, Apple is still faithful to the old philosophy: come later, but on a full scale.