The iPhone 17 Pro set a high bar for smartphone photography, impressing users with its advanced camera system. But according to multiple leaks, Apple is preparing an even more ambitious upgrade for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, expected in 2026. The biggest buzz? A variable aperture lens on the main wide-angle camera.
What Is a Variable Aperture?
A variable aperture lets the camera lens dynamically adjust its opening, controlling the amount of light that hits the sensor.
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Low-light advantage: Wider aperture lets in more light, reducing noise.
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Improved depth of field: Narrower aperture keeps more of the scene in focus.
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Balanced exposure: Handles bright and dim conditions more effectively.
In short, it gives users optical control previously found only in DSLR or mirrorless cameras.
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Ming-Chi Kuo’s Prediction
Renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has suggested that the iPhone 18 Pro’s 48 MP Fusion wide-angle camera might include a variable aperture.
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This is not an official Apple confirmation, but a prediction based on industry trends and supply chain information.
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Kuo highlighted this feature in multiple reports in late 2024, framing it as a likely hardware innovation rather than a confirmed specification.
Supply Chain Rumours
Reports indicate that Apple could be preparing the components for this upgrade:
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Companies like LG Innotek, Foxconn, Luxshare ICT, and Sunny Optical have been mentioned as potential suppliers or partners.
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These details are based on industry rumours and have not been officially confirmed by Apple.
If true, these partnerships suggest that Apple is exploring ways to bring variable aperture technology to the iPhone 18 Pro series.
Potential Benefits for Users
If implemented, the variable aperture could bring several advantages:
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Better low-light performance: More light reaches the sensor for cleaner images.
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Enhanced depth of field: Improved background separation and sharper focus.
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Balanced exposure: Maintains proper brightness in a variety of lighting conditions.
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Creative flexibility: Enables artistic bokeh and more control over shots.
Conclusion
The variable aperture lens is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing rumours for the iPhone 18 Pro. Even though it’s not confirmed, Apple is signaling that photography will remain a key differentiator for its Pro line. If these predictions hold, 2026 could see a real leap in smartphone photography capabilities.
