iPhone 6S Rumors: Camera Sensor For Apple Inc.'s Smartphone Could Get 12 Megapixel Upgrade

For four generations, the iPhone’s processor has gotten more powerful and screens have grown bigger, but camera resolution has remained the same. Apple Inc.’s anticipated "iPhone 6S" may break that streak.

The next Apple smartphone could see a camera boost to 12 megapixels, according to sources speaking to IHS China chief executive Kevin Wong. To achieve that, Apple may use a sensor with smaller pixels. This has certain benefits and drawbacks. While image resolution may be larger with a high-megapixel sensor with small pixels, a sensor with larger pixels usually results in low-light images with less "noise," according to GforGames. That’s only part of the equation.

Apple also has a number of camera-related patents, including one that packs a compact high-resolution sensor and lens design into a thin smartphone body. But as with many of Apple’s patent filings, it’s unknown if or when it plans to use them in future devices. In April, it also acquired Israeli camera technology company LinX, which could help accelerate its camera research.

Wong’s post on Chinese social media site Weibo comes after a top tech securities analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities, also suggested an upgraded camera in a research note on Tuesday.

Aside from an improved camera, the iPhone 6S is expected to come with a number of new features, including an A9 chip with 2GB memory and Force Touch screen, such as that found on the Apple Watch. The technology allows a touch screen to detect the difference between a light tap or hard press, enabling new gestures and touch controls.