iPhone 18 and Not iPhone 17 to Feature Variable Aperture Lens, Confirms Analyst Kuo

Highlights

• Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo confirms that the variable aperture lens will debut in the iPhone 18.
• The variable aperture lens will provide better control over depth of field for flexibility in photography.
• iPhone 18 is expected in 2026.

Caption – Reports confirm Apple is working on variable aperture for iPhone 18. (Image credit – Apple)

Apple has been dedicated to working on delivering advancements in the camera department. In recent times, there’s been a lot of buzz about a variable aperture lens making its way to a future iPhone. However, most opinions differ on when can we exactly expect this to come to fruition.

While some reports point to the iPhone 17 camera, renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has been insisting that it’s coming with the iPhone 18 for a while now.

Kuo had earlier predicted this major camera upgrade for the iPhone 18 and now he’s reaffirmed that claim.

How Variable Aperture Can Improve Camera System?

A variable aperture lens allows you to control the depth of field (DoF) in your photos. With this feature, you can:

• Create a shallow DoF to make your subject stand out against a blurred background.
• Use a medium DoF to highlight the subject while keeping the background somewhat recognisable.
• Opt for a deep DoF to keep the entire scene in focus.

While Portrait mode simulates this effect using software and does it quite well, a variable aperture achieves it optically providing even better results.

Apple has already offered some control over DoF through the 5x telephoto lens on the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the iPhone 16 Pro models. However, this effect is due to the longer focal lengths and proximity to the subject. A variable aperture lens would bring greater flexibility to all kinds of shots.

Are We Getting Variable Aperture in iPhone 17 Or iPhone 18?

The Information recently suggested that a variable aperture lens might arrive with the iPhone 17 in 2025. Their report mentioned that “at least one” iPhone 17 model could feature a mechanical system to control aperture size.

Kuo, however, maintains it will debut with the iPhone 18 in 2026. He wrote last month, “One major upgrade for the 2026 high-end iPhone 18 is the wide-camera lens upgrading to a variable aperture camera, significantly enhancing the user photography experience. My latest industry survey indicates Sunny Optical will be the primary shutter supplier (with Luxshare as secondary) and the second variable aperture lens supplier (after Largan Precision).”

In one of his more recent reports, Kuo has again doubled down on this timeline. He wrote, “The iPhone 18 Pro’s wide camera will upgrade to variable aperture in 2026. BESI is the supplier of assembly equipment for aperture blades, a critical component of this upgrade.”

Apple has already increased sensor sizes with the iPhone 16 and might do so again with the iPhone 18. While details are still on a very basic stage, one thing is clear is that Apple continues to improvise the camera technology. Whether we get to the tech in iPhone 17 or iPhone 18, it is something only time will tell.

FAQs

Q1. Which iPhone will feature a variable aperture lens?

Answer. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the iPhone 18 is expected to feature a variable aperture lens, not the iPhone 17.

Q2. What are the benefits of a variable aperture lens in a camera system?

Answer. A variable aperture lens allows control over the depth of field (DoF), enabling users to create shallow, medium or deep DoF effects for more flexible photography.

Q3. When is the variable aperture lens expected to be introduced?

Answer. Ming-Chi Kuo predicts that the variable aperture lens will debut with the iPhone 18 in 2026.

Q4. What did Kuo say about the suppliers involved in the variable aperture lens upgrade?

Answer. Kuo mentioned that Sunny Optical will be the primary shutter supplier, with Luxshare as secondary, and the second variable aperture lens supplier will be Largan Precision.

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