iPhone 18 Pro: Apple preparing a major leap in photography with a variable aperture lens
Apple is reportedly on the verge of taking a significant leap in mobile photography. According to Korean media ETNews, the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are set to be the first Apple smartphones featuring a primary lens with variable aperture, a rare technology that allows physical adjustment of the light intake by the sensor.
iPhone 18 Pro: A Mechanical Aperture to Adapt to Light
In contrast to the fixed f/1.78 aperture used from the iPhone 14 Pro to the iPhone 17 Pro, the next generation of devices may enable mechanical modulation of the diaphragm opening.
The outcome:
- A wider aperture in low light for brighter, less noisy photos;
- A narrower aperture during bright daylight to prevent overexposure;
- Improved depth of field control, allowing for either significant background blur or extensive sharpness—ideal for both portraits and landscapes.
This innovation would position the iPhone 18 Pro alongside hybrid cameras by merging optical power with Apple’s computational photography.
Chinese Partners at the Heart of the Project
According to ETNews, Apple is collaborating with Luxshare ICT and Sunny Optical, two Chinese giants specializing in camera modules, to design the actuator responsible for the diaphragm’s movement.
This information aligns with analyst Ming-Chi Kuo’s forecasts, who had previously mentioned this partnership in late 2024.
An Expensive Technology, Yet Better Understood Now
Samsung attempted to implement this feature in the Galaxy S9 and S10 but abandoned the idea due to the high costs and mechanical complexities involved. However, according to the report, recent advancements in miniaturization and Apple’s industrial expertise may now allow for a slimmer, more reliable, and less costly system.
That said, this development could increase the price of the upcoming model: the iPhone 17 Pro starts at $1,099, and the iPhone 18 Pro may cross a new price threshold.
Launch Expected in 2026 with Other Major Innovations
The new variable aperture lens is anticipated to debut in the fall of 2026, alongside the iPhone Air 2 and the first-ever foldable iPhone.
The iPhone 18 Pro may also eliminate the Dynamic Island feature in favor of an under-display Face ID system, further reducing bezels for a more immersive full-screen experience.
