In the previous versions of the iPhone since the launch of the 4s in October 2011, the smartphone remained to have an 8 MP main shooter at the back. Apple has decided to instead upgrade the technology and firmware to the sensors, flash, and aperture features of the camera. 

However, it seems that this time around, Apple will also upgrade the megapixel count for the next iPhone. When a new model is launched later this year, it will have a new, upgraded 12 MP camera, according to the latest rumors surrounding the unveiling of the next Apple flagship smartphone. 

In a Weibo post, Kevin Wang of IHS Technology Research stated that the megapixel count for the new camera for the next iPhone will jump from 8 MP to 12 MP. He also surmised that the new cameras to be built into the new iPhones will have smaller pixels compared to the current iPhone 6 series. Smaller pixels mean less noise, and partnered with a large pixel count, the new iPhone will indeed make a big jump in terms of its camera technology. 

The statement seems to corroborate previous predictions on the next iPhone features, especially that of Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities. Kuo has been known to predict correctly some of the new features for upcoming Apple products. 

In addition, a recent acquisition by Apple may also support camera upgrades for the next iPhone. The Cupertino-based company has recently acquired LinX Computational Imaging. LinX is the company behind depth of field sensors in smartphone and tablet cameras. With LinX's shooter tech, images shot with mobile cameras will have SLR or single lens reflex image quality without the need for bulkier and advanced bodies, since the technology like sensors and aperture features come miniaturized. 

Apple has yet to comment on rumors and give the official details regarding the next iPhone, but most observers place the release later this year.