iPhone 18 Pro Unlikely to Feature 200MP Camera, Apple Exploring Multispectral Imaging [Rumor]

Apple is unlikely to adopt a 200-megapixel camera sensor for the iPhone 18 lineup, despite recent speculation about a major resolution jump. Instead, the company appears to be focusing on mechanical improvements to its existing 48-megapixel system while quietly evaluating new sensing technologies behind the scenes.



According to a post on Weibo from leaker Digital Chat Station, Apple's engineering tests for the iPhone 18 Pro continue to feature a 48MP main camera paired with a variable aperture. The leaker pushed back on claims that a 200MP sensor would ship in the iPhone 18 Pro. While Apple did evaluate 200MP Samsung components during the material testing stage, the final hardware is expected to stick with a 48MP setup and focus on optical improvements instead. The post also mentions a 48MP periscope telephoto lens with a large aperture, which lines up with earlier reports pointing to a significant telephoto camera upgrade.


Reports of mechanical aperture changes are not new. Supply chain sources have previously said the iPhone 18 Pro main camera would gain a physically adjustable aperture, giving Apple more control over exposure and depth of field. Keeping the resolution at 48MP suggests Apple is prioritizing sensor performance and light capture over competing on megapixel numbers.

The post also includes new detail about Apple's longer-term camera roadmap. Apple is said to be exploring multispectral imaging, a technology that captures data beyond the visible light spectrum. This could improve color accuracy, low-light performance, or enable new sensing features. That said, the technology is still under supply chain evaluation and has not entered formal testing, making it unlikely to appear in the iPhone 18.

Although the 200MP Samsung sensor does not appear to be moving forward, Apple's partnership with Samsung remains intact. Samsung is reportedly preparing its Austin, Texas facility to produce image sensors for future iPhone models, helping Apple spread production across multiple regions.

With trial production for the iPhone 18 Pro expected to begin shortly after the New Year, the hardware design is likely close to locked. The device is anticipated to launch in fall 2026, powered by a 2nm A20 chip and possibly featuring a new back glass manufacturing process.


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