Apple is investigating multispectral camera technology in future iPhones, which could enhance Apple Intelligence and transform the way the phone views the world. The concept is to absorb light that is outside the red, green, and blue bands that are utilized by human eyes. Such a broader data set could assist Apple Intelligence to better distinguish between materials and distinct objects on a background. The report comes from a supply chain leak that says Apple is evaluating multispectral sensors for future devices.
How it Helps
Multispectral imaging reads light across more of the electromagnetic spectrum. That can include near infrared and ultraviolet bands. The added data can improve edge detection and material detection. This may allow Apple Intelligence to tell the difference between cloth and metal more reliably. It may also give on-device image processing more information to work with for exposure and color accuracy. Early reports note that Apple is still in the evaluation phase and is not close to shipping this in mass-produced iPhones.
Camera and Depth Gains
Beyond material detection, multispectral sensors could aid depth sensing and scene separation. Better depth data could improve portrait mode and AR features. The technology could also help low-light imaging by giving the software extra signals to recover detail. Some industry sources think multispectral capture might even support creative modes like infrared photography. Broad testing is under way but the technology is not yet a guaranteed feature.
Variable Aperture and 2026 Models
Separate supply chain reports say the iPhone 18 Pro family may gain a variable aperture main camera. Variable aperture gives a camera more control over light and depth of field. That change would allow the phone to adapt to very bright scenes and very dim scenes in a direct hardware way rather than relying solely on software. The same leaker suggests the telephoto lens on the 2026 models will have a larger aperture. These claims are marked as leaks and should be viewed in that context.
LOFIC Sensors and the 20th Anniversary iPhone
Apple has also been linked to LOFIC sensor technology for a major camera upgrade that may arrive in 2027. LOFIC stands for Lateral Overflow Integration Capacitor. The technology aims to capture more detail in both highlights and shadows in a single exposure. That will help dynamic range and reduce the need for heavy multi-frame processing to balance bright and dark areas. Reports say Apple might use LOFIC in a custom sensor for the 20th anniversary iPhone. This would be a step toward better hardware-level image capture on challenging scenes.