Apple appears to be gearing up to follow a trend that has been popular among various Android brands. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the iPhone 18 Pro, which is anticipated to be announced in 2026, may feature a variable aperture camera system.
Variable Aperture Advantages
Android phone makers have been testing variable aperture lenses for a while, offering users better control over light intake and depth of field. These lenses can change their opening size, similar to what you find in professional cameras. In well-lit conditions, a smaller aperture results in clearer images and a greater depth of field, keeping both foreground and background in sharp focus. On the other hand, a larger aperture lets in more light, making it perfect for taking well-lit photos in darker settings, though this results in a shallower depth of field that blurs the background behind the main subject.
iPhone 18 or 17?
Earlier reports from The Information hinted that one of the iPhone 17 models might introduce a variable aperture camera, but Kuo's new findings suggest that this feature may be pushed back to the iPhone 18 series in 2026. He specifically points out that the main rear camera on the iPhone 18 Pro is likely to incorporate this technology. Kuo's industry analysis shows that Sunny Optical is expected to be the main supplier of the camera's shutter mechanism, with Luxshare serving as a secondary supplier. Interestingly, Sunny Optical is also projected to provide the variable aperture lens, while Largan Precision will remain the primary lens supplier.
Current iPhone Limitations
Up to now, every iPhone model has utilized fixed aperture lenses, which limits how much users can control light intake and depth of field. With the introduction of variable aperture technology, users could gain more precise control over these settings, allowing for adjustments that match their personal preferences. It's worth mentioning that Kuo's insights are drawn from industry surveys, so they should be seen as educated guesses rather than confirmed information. Since the iPhone 18's release is still two years away, Apple has plenty of time to fine-tune its plans and potentially alter its camera approach.
