Highlights
- Apple is evaluating a variable aperture system for the iPhone 18 Pro, now in late-stage engineering samples.
- Variable aperture could improve exposure control and video recording, while a teleconverter is also under consideration to extend zoom range.
- Apple is testing optical performance and feasibility with final adoption depending on quality standards.
iPhone 17 Pro camera screen. (Image credit – Apple)
Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 Pro models could introduce a major camera upgrade with a new variable aperture system now reportedly reaching the sampling phase. A Chinese tipster claims the feature has entered late-stage engineering tests, signaling that Apple is actively evaluating it for its next flagship lineup.
According to a post on Weibo by tipster named Smart Pikachu, the variable aperture camera has moved into late-stage engineering samples. The leaker also noted that a teleconverter is currently “under evaluation” for the iPhone 18 Pro series.
Tipster Smart Pikachu’s Weibo post. (Translated via Google Translate)
iPhone 18 Pro Variable Aperture – What To Expect?
If implemented, a variable aperture camera on the iPhone 18 Pro could significantly enhance exposure control, especially for video recording. By optically limiting incoming light, the system could help preserve natural motion blur and maintain smoother exposure levels when shooting in bright environments.
Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously stated in December 2024 that both iPhone 18 Pro models would feature a variable aperture main rear camera, marking a first for the iPhone lineup.
A follow-up report from October 2025 further suggested that Apple was moving ahead with these plans and had begun discussions with component suppliers to bring the technology to future iPhones.
What iPhone 18 Pro with Teleconverter Imply?
The mention of a teleconverter is a new and unexpected detail. In traditional DSLR systems, teleconverters are optical attachments that increase a lens’s effective focal length to extend zoom range, though they typically reduce light intake. How such a concept would translate to a smartphone camera remains unclear.
If Apple were to adopt a teleconverter-style optical setup, it would likely reduce the amount of light reaching the sensor. In that scenario, pairing it with a variable aperture system could give Apple more flexibility in managing exposure alongside its computational photography techniques.
At this point in the product development cycle, the overall design of the iPhone 18 Pro lineup is likely already finalised. However, Apple typically continues to test and refine individual components such as camera modules, during this phase. The company may be conducting parallel evaluations of multiple features without committing them to mass production.
The late-stage engineering samples are likely being used to assess optical performance, reliability, and manufacturing feasibility. If the camera system fails to meet Apple’s quality standards or proves difficult to scale, the company could still decide to drop the feature. Variable aperture technology was previously rumored for at least one iPhone 17 model but never made it to the final product.
Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in September 2026.
FAQs
Q1. What new camera feature is Apple testing for the iPhone 18 Pro?
Answer. Apple is testing a variable aperture system, now in late-stage engineering samples.
Q2. What is the benefit of a variable aperture camera?
Answer. It improves exposure control, especially for video recording in bright environments.
Q3. What other camera upgrade is under evaluation for iPhone 18 Pro series?
Answer. Apple is considering a teleconverter to extend zoom range, though details remain