Apple plans to introduce a variable aperture main camera in the upcoming iPhone 18 series, marking the first time this advanced optical feature will appear on an iPhone. The new camera system will debut in the premium iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models, which are expected to launch in fall 2026.
According to a report from ETNews, Apple has finalized its decision to implement variable aperture technology and is now preparing the necessary components for mass production. The feature allows the lens to mechanically adjust how much light passes through to the image sensor, widening in darker environments and narrowing in bright scenes to prevent overexposure. This setup provides users with DSLR-like control over brightness and depth of field, enabling more natural background blur and refined image clarity.
Apple’s move appears aimed at distinguishing the Pro lineup through hardware-based camera innovation rather than software-driven processing. With smartphone photography reaching technical limits, the addition of mechanical aperture control allows Apple to deliver tangible optical improvements and greater creative flexibility for professional users. This aligns with other camera-related advancements rumored for the lineup, including a simplified camera control button and refined body materials that blend aluminum and titanium in a hybrid frame.
The iPhone 18 Pro lineup will retain its triple-lens system with main, ultra-wide, and telephoto (folded zoom) cameras. However, only the main wide-angle lens will feature the variable aperture. According to the report, LG Innotek and Foxconn will produce the camera module, while Chinese companies Luxshare ICT and Sunny Optical will supply the actuator responsible for adjusting the aperture blades.
Industry sources say Apple selected Sunny Optical as an actuator supplier last year, officially integrating the company into its camera component supply chain. This strengthens Apple’s collaboration with Chinese optical firms while maintaining balance with its long-standing Korean and Taiwanese manufacturing partners. These updates build on earlier iPhone 18 Pro design rumors that highlight Apple’s focus on optical engineering and chassis optimization.
Apple’s adoption of variable aperture could shift the direction of the smartphone camera market. Samsung previously implemented a similar feature in its Galaxy S9 and S10 but later abandoned it due to thickness and cost issues. Since then, most manufacturers have relied on software to simulate depth and lighting effects. Apple’s decision could encourage a renewed focus on true optical hardware innovation, reinforcing its premium strategy alongside features like the smaller Dynamic Island expected in iPhone 18 models.
As camera megapixels reach practical limits, attention is turning toward optical precision and light management. Apple’s upcoming system aims to improve low-light performance, depth realism, and overall exposure balance, representing a meaningful evolution in smartphone imaging. Industry analysts believe this change could spark a new wave of hardware-centered camera competition, moving beyond computational photography alone.
The iPhone 18 series is expected to continue Apple’s annual release cycle, although reports have speculated about whether Apple could skip the iPhone 18 release in 2026 and consolidate its launch strategy. The Pro lineup will also feature the next-generation A20 chip built on a 2nm process, which is expected to enhance performance and efficiency, particularly for advanced image processing. Some reports even suggest the folding iPhone variant could share the same A20 chip and 2nm architecture, signaling Apple’s broader vision for next-generation hardware integration.
1 comment