Highlights
- Apple may introduce variable aperture tech in the iPhone 18 Pro series, offering DSLR-like manual control.
- Other expected features include a semi-transparent rear panel, vapour chamber cooling, and LTPO OLED displays with HIAA tech to hide Face ID sensors.
- The iPhone 18 Pro lineup is tipped to launch in September 2026 with the new A20 chip (2nm), while base models may follow in early 2027.
A new leak from China suggests that Apple is preparing to introduce variable aperture camera technology in its upcoming iPhone 18 Pro series. This isn’t the first time we have heard this and if true, this would mark a major leap in iPhone photography. Here’s the full update.
iPhone 18 Pro To Offer Variable Aperture
The latest update on next-generation iPhone camera tech comes from the popular Weibo tipster Digital Chat Station based on supply chain information. DCS claims that both iPhone 18 Pro models will feature the new variable aperture setup on the main rear camera, known as Apple’s 48MP Fusion camera.
However, some reports suggest that the feature might end up being exclusive to the iPhone 18 Pro Max. The leaker also notes that both the main and telephoto lenses will have larger apertures for improved low-light performance.
A variable aperture lens allows the opening to expand for brighter, detailed low-light photos or narrow down for sharper images in bright conditions. This setup would give users manual control over aperture settings, similar to professional DSLR cameras, enabling creative control over background blur and focus precision. The feature is previously seen in select Android flagships.
Until now, Apple’s flagship phones including the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro have used a fixed ƒ/1.78 aperture for their main cameras. Introducing a variable aperture system would be a first for iPhones and a major enhancement for mobile photography enthusiasts.
Previous Leaks With Similar Update
As we mentioned in the beginning, this isn’t the first mention of such a development.
In November 2024, renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo had already hinted that the iPhone 18 Pro models would adopt variable aperture lenses. Earlier rumours had also suggested that at least one iPhone 17 model would feature this system, but it never materialised. The iPhone 18 Pro lineup is expected to launch in September 2026.
Digital Chat Station has a reliable track record when it comes to Apple leaks, having accurately revealed details about the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus sensors and even the iPhone 12 display design years in advance.
Upcoming iPhone 18 Models – What Else We Know?
Caption – iPhone 17 Pro in Deep Blue colour for reference only. (Image credit – Apple)
Beyond the camera, the iPhone 18 Pro series is said to maintain a triple rear camera setup similar to the iPhone 17 Pro, but Apple may experiment with a semi-transparent rear panel that subtly exposes elements like the MagSafe charging coil. The phones are also tipped to include a stainless-steel vapour chamber cooling system, continuing the thermal management system introduced in the iPhone 17 Pro lineup.
As for display technology, reports suggest the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max could come with 6.27-inch and 6.86-inch LTPO OLED panels, respectively, boasting 1.5K resolution and adopting HIAA (Hole-in-Active-Area) technology. This could allow Apple to hide the Face ID sensors beneath the screen, leaving only the selfie camera visible for a more immersive display experience.
However, some conflicting leaks claim that Apple may simply shrink the Dynamic Island instead of removing it completely.
The iPhone 18 Pro lineup will reportedly debut with Apple’s next-generation A20 chip, built on TSMC’s second-generation 2nm (N2) process. This new architecture promises improved power efficiency and thermal management through Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module (WMCM) integration, allowing the SoC and DRAM to work more efficiently while optimising power usage for Apple Intelligence tasks.
Launch Timeline
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, iPhone 18 Air, and iPhone 18 Fold in September 2026, while the standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e models are rumoured to arrive in the first half of 2027.
Previous reports have also hinted at a staggered launch schedule with the premium models debuting in fall and the base variants following later, marking a shift from Apple’s usual simultaneous iPhone releases.
FAQs
Q1. What is the major camera upgrade expected in the iPhone 18 Pro series?
Answer. Apple is reportedly introducing a variable aperture system for the main 48MP Fusion camera, allowing users to manually adjust aperture settings for better low-light performance and creative control, similar to DSLR cameras. This feature may be exclusive to the iPhone 18 Pro Max.
Q2. What other design and display changes are rumoured for the iPhone 18 Pro models?
Answer. The iPhone 18 Pro series may feature a semi-transparent rear panel, a stainless-steel vapour chamber for cooling, and LTPO OLED displays with HIAA tech to hide Face ID sensors beneath the screen.
Q3. When is the iPhone 18 Pro expected to launch, and what chip will it use?
Answer. The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to launch in September 2026, powered by Apple’s A20 chip built on TSMC’s second-gen 2nm process, offering improved power efficiency and thermal management.