New reports confirm that Apple has moved the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max camera system into late-stage engineering sampling, indicating that their core camera hardware is close to finalization ahead of the 2026 launch.
According to the information, Apple is testing a mechanical iris for variable aperture on the main camera, a first for the iPhone. This would allow the lens to physically adjust its aperture depending on lighting conditions, improving exposure control, low-light performance, and video transitions compared to current fixed-aperture designs.
In addition, a new rumor claims Apple is evaluating a “teleconverter-style” optical system to enhance zoom capabilities. Such a system could extend optical reach without heavy digital cropping, potentially improving mid-to-long-range zoom quality, though it may reduce light intake.
Late-stage engineering sampling suggests these features are being tested for real-world performance and production viability, but they are not yet guaranteed to make the final device. If adopted, they would represent one of Apple’s biggest camera hardware upgrades in years for the iPhone 18 Pro, expected to launch in 2026.
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