Apple's 20th Anniversary iPhone to Debut Custom LOFIC Camera Sensor [Report]

Apple is developing its own custom camera sensor featuring next-generation LOFIC technology, with a potential debut planned for its 2027 iPhone lineup, according to a post from leaker yeux1122 on Naver. The report specifically states Apple plans to apply the technology to its "own CMOS sensor," suggesting a move toward in-house image sensor design.

The technology, known as Lateral Overflow Integration Capacitor (LOFIC), is described as a next-generation high dynamic range solution that aims to eliminate the ghosting and blurring issues often seen with multi-frame HDR. This is supported by a recently granted Apple patent titled "Image Sensor with Stacked Pixels Having High Dynamic Range and Low Noise," which details a stacked pixel design that separates the sensor and logic dies. The patent specifies that this configuration enables the sensor to capture light over a dynamic range of about 120 dB. For photographers, that figure is significant—120 decibels is roughly equivalent to 20 stops of dynamic range, a level of performance found in high-end cinema cameras.

A 2027 timeline would align the camera upgrade with the 20th anniversary of the iPhone. Reports have suggested Apple may skip the "iPhone 19" name and jump straight to "iPhone 20" for the anniversary device. The model is part of a three-year overhaul of the lineup and is expected to feature a completely bezel-less design.


While Apple's adoption is several years out, several of its competitors are moving more quickly. The report claims major Chinese manufacturers, including Honor, Xiaomi, and Huawei, will begin implementing LOFIC in their flagship models next year, using Sony's latest LYT-838 and LYT-910 sensors. Samsung's roadmap for the technology is reportedly not yet clear.

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