Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 Pro is set to include a key upgrade in its main camera: a variable aperture. This feature, though common in some Android phones, has yet to make its way to an iPhone. However, reports now suggest that this will change with the iPhone 18 Pro, offering more control over the camera.
A Long Time Coming for iPhones
Phones with variable apertures have been around for years, mostly on Android models. Samsung was one of the first to add this feature to its phones, starting with the Galaxy S9. But for iPhones, this will be the first time Apple gives users control over aperture settings. The rumour came earlier this year with reports that the iPhone 17 series would include this feature. Now, famed analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has shared that the iPhone 18 Pro will also have this improvement.
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What is Variable Aperture?
Cameras with a fixed aperture allow a set amount of light to pass through the lens. Variable aperture gives the user the power to switch between settings for different amounts of light. This can help capture better photos in low light or achieve sharper shots in bright conditions. It can also allow users to change how much of the scene is in focus, with a larger aperture resulting in a shallow depth of field (creating a blurred background). This flexibility will give iPhone 18 Pro users a tool to boost their photography, especially in settings where lighting varies.
According to Kuo, Sunny Optical and Luxshare will be key suppliers for this new tech, with Sunny Optical as the main source for the shutter, while Luxshare is also playing a role. Another company, Largan Precision, will supply the variable aperture lens, building on its relationship with Apple.
With the iPhone 17 expected to launch with a similar feature, it seems that Apple is committed to bringing this new camera technology to future iPhones. This marks a big leap for the iPhone’s camera system, which has seen steady but smaller changes in recent years. The variable aperture is one of the more notable camera upgrades, and it hints at even more camera changes to come.
