Several supply-chain reports and analyst leaks suggest that the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max (expected for a late-2026 launch) will feature a variable aperture main camera, a first for iPhones giving the lens the ability to physically adjust how much light is let in, similar to professional DSLR cameras. This would improve exposure control, low-light performance, and depth-of-field effects compared with the fixed aperture used on past iPhones.
Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has repeatedly backed the variable aperture rumor, pointing to Apple’s intent to include this capability in the iPhone 18 Pro lineup. Apple’s suppliers for this system are said to include LG Innotek, Foxconn, Luxshare ICT, and Sunny Optical working on aperture components and actuators.Â
Newer leaks indicate an important shift in Apple’s camera supply chain. Samsung is reportedly developing a next-gen three-layer stacked image sensor referred to in leaks as PD-TR-Logic that Apple may use in at least one camera on the iPhone 18 Pro models. This would mark a significant evolution, as Sony has long been Apple’s primary sensor supplier.
Samsung’s involvement goes beyond sensors; because Samsung previously experimented with variable aperture systems on devices like the Galaxy S9 and S10, its expertise is seen as valuable if Apple implements this technology again. While Apple is also working with multiple partners for components like actuators, Samsung’s sensor contribution would be a notable entry into Apple’s imaging stack.
A variable aperture system can improve performance in different lighting conditions. It allows the camera to:
- Open wider to capture more light in low-light environments.
- Narrow down to reduce overexposure in bright scenes.
- Offer greater control over depth of field (background blur vs. focus) compared with fixed apertures.
This hardware upgrade would mark a shift from Apple’s long reliance on computational photography alone for exposure and depth control, combining optical adjustments with software enhancements.
Discover More Apple iPhone 17 Pro Users Report Unusual Charging Noise
Discover more from Phoonomo
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
