Apple is reportedly investigating multispectral imaging technology as a next-generation camera innovation for future iPhone models, according to new supply chain reports out of China. Their move could mark one of the
most significant shifts in smartphone imaging technology in years, expanding what an iPhone camera can see beyond the visible spectrum.
Leaker Digital Chat Station said Apple is currently evaluating components related to multispectral imaging within the supply chain, but cautioned that formal testing has not yet begun, suggesting the technology remains at an exploratory stage.
Multispectral imaging differs from traditional smartphone photography, which relies solely on standard red, green, and blue light. Instead, their technology captures image data across multiple, distinct wavelength bands, which can add sensitivity to near-infrared or other narrow spectral ranges. This could potentially allow cameras to detect information that is largely invisible to conventional sensors.
The multispectral imaging rumors come alongside other reports about Apple’s future camera ambitions. For example, discussions within supply chains suggest Apple continues to refine its 48-megapixel sensors and camera hardware for upcoming iPhone models, rather than immediately leaping to ultra-high megapixel counts. Apple’s camera work has long balanced hardware improvements with software innovation. Recent iPhone models refine multiple photographic techniques like Deep Fusion, computational HDR, and sensor shift stabilization without always dramatically increasing megapixel counts.
