Highlights
- iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max may feature a variable aperture lens, allowing dynamic light adjustment for better low-light and daylight photography.
- Apple is reportedly working with Luxshare ICT and Sunny Optical for a thinner, efficient build.
- Expected in fall 2026, the iPhone 18 Pro may also introduce under-display Face ID, removing the Dynamic Island.
Apple is reportedly preparing one of the biggest camera upgrades for its upcoming iPhone 18 Pro lineup. According to a report from Korea’s ETNews, both the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will feature the advanced technology that will allow the main camera to physically adjust how much light passes through the lens. Yes, we might just get a variable aperture lens on an iPhone.
iPhone 18 Pro – Expected Camera Upgrade
Unlike the fixed f/1.78 aperture used on the iPhone 14 Pro through iPhone 17 Pro models, the variable aperture system will dynamically open wider in low-light conditions to capture brighter and clearer photos, and narrow down in bright lighting to prevent overexposure.
This level of flexibility will also offer users more control over depth of field, enabling either rich background blur for portraits or sharper focus across the frame for landscapes. Apple is said to be collaborating with Luxshare ICT and Sunny Optical. These are two Chinese suppliers responsible for manufacturing the actuator that controls the aperture’s movement.
The report aligns with previous predictions by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who hinted at Apple’s partnership with these companies back in late 2024.
While Samsung was among the first to experiment with variable aperture lenses on its Galaxy S9 and S10 models, the company eventually discontinued the feature after 2020 due to design complexity and higher production costs. According to reports, the iPhone 18 Pro’s implementation is expected to be thinner, more efficient, and cost-effective. However, it could still lead to a potential price hike. For context, the iPhone 17 Pro starts at $1,099, and its successor may come at a slightly higher price point.
The new variable aperture camera system is expected to debut in fall 2026, launching alongside the rumoured iPhone Air 2 and Apple’s first foldable iPhone.
Additionally, reports suggest that the iPhone 18 Pro series might eliminate the Dynamic Island in favour of a fully under-display Face ID system, pushing Apple’s design language toward a cleaner, uninterrupted screen.
FAQs
Q1. What is the key camera upgrade expected in the iPhone 18 Pro?
Answer. The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to feature a variable aperture lens, allowing dynamic light adjustment for better low-light and bright-light photography.
Q2. How will the variable aperture improve photo quality?
Answer. It will enable brighter images in low light and prevent overexposure in bright conditions, while also offering more control over depth of field for portraits and landscapes.
Q3. When is the iPhone 18 Pro expected to launch?
Answer. The iPhone 18 Pro lineup is expected to debut in fall 2026, alongside the rumoured iPhone Air 2 and Apple’s first foldable iPhone.