Highlights
- Apple is tipped to debut variable aperture technology on the iPhone 18 Pro in September 2026.
- It is testing a 1/1.12″ ultra‑large sensor, enhanced OIS for ultra‑wide lenses and a 200MP periscope telephoto sensor for future iPhones.
- The 200MP telephoto sensor may not arrive until 2028.
There has been quite a lot of chatter when it comes to Apple’s upgrade plans for iPhone cameras. Now, a new leak has revealed that Apple is working on multiple camera upgrades for its upcoming iPhones with one major feature to debut with the iPhone 18 Pro lineup later this year. Here are more details.
Apple’s Plan for iPhone Camera Upgrade
According to a report from popular Weibo tipster Digital Chat Station, Apple is currently evaluating four key camera improvements for future iPhone models. These include a variable aperture, a 1/1.12-inch “ultra-large” main camera sensor, enhanced optical image stabilization (OIS) for the ultra-wide lens and a 200-megapixel periscope telephoto lens.
Variable Aperture Expected With iPhone 18 Pro
The leak suggests that the variable aperture feature is most likely to arrive with the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in September this year. This aligns with earlier insights shared by Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo that both Pro models would feature a variable aperture on the main rear camera.
Moreover, another report indicated that Apple had already begun discussions with suppliers regarding the required components.
Apple has not introduced variable aperture technology on any iPhone so far. The company has relied on a fixed ƒ/1.78 aperture for the main camera that remains fully open while capturing photos. A variable aperture allows the camera to adjust the amount of light entering the sensor. It can open wider in low-light conditions to capture more light and close in brighter environments to prevent overexposure. This feature is also expected to provide better control over depth of field.
iPhone 17 Pro camera. (Image credit – Apple)
Future iPhone Camera Upgrades in Development
The remaining upgrades mentioned by the leaker are likely being tested for future iPhone models beyond the iPhone 18 Pro.
One of the major changes under consideration is the introduction of a 1/1.12-inch “ultra-large” main camera sensor. It is important to note that this measurement is derived from video camera tube standards and is significantly large for a smartphone camera.
Future models such as the iPhone 19 Pro or iPhone 20 Pro could benefit from this upgrade and potentially replacing the 1/1.28-inch sensor currently used in the iPhone 17 Pro with the larger 1/1.12-inch sensor.
iPhone With 200-Megapixel Sensor?
Apple is also reportedly working on a 200-megapixel camera sensor expected to be used in the telephoto lens rather than the main camera. The company is said to be developing an ultra-wide camera with optical image stabilisation that is currently limited to the main and telephoto cameras.
Digital Chat Station has mentioned multiple times that Apple is actively researching this technology. However, recent updates suggest that it may not make its way to iPhones before 2028.
Source(s) –
Digital Chat Station on Weibo
(Hyperlink this text to – https://m.weibo.cn/status/QBZkctRju )
FAQs
Q1. What major camera feature is expected on the iPhone 18 Pro?
Answer. The iPhone 18 Pro/Pro Max, launching in September 2026, is tipped to debut variable aperture technology for the main rear camera.
Q2. What other camera upgrades is Apple testing for future iPhones?
Answer. Apple is evaluating a 1/1.12″ ultra‑large sensor, enhanced OIS for ultra‑wide lenses, and a 200MP periscope telephoto sensor for later models.
Q3. When might the 200MP telephoto sensor appear on iPhones?
Answer. Reports suggest the 200MP telephoto sensor may not arrive until 2028 as Apple continues long‑term development and supplier discussions.