Apple planning major overhaul for iPhone 18 cameras, may introduce variable aperture system

Apple is reportedly planning a significant camera upgrade for its future iPhone 18 Pro model, with whispers of a variable aperture system gaining traction.  

This innovative feature could mark a game-changing leap for iPhone photography, promising more control over depth of field and lighting in images. The update is expected to debut in 2026, reshaping how iPhone users capture their world.

What is a Variable Aperture System

Unlike the fixed aperture setup found in current smartphones, a variable aperture system allows the lens opening to adjust in size. This adjustment alters how much light hits the camera sensor, giving photographers more flexibility in creating desired effects. By widening the aperture, users can achieve a shallower depth of field, resulting in sharper subjects with beautifully blurred backgrounds—a real, optical version of the bokeh effect. Narrowing the aperture, on the other hand, allows for more detail across the frame, ideal for landscapes or group shots.

While iPhones currently simulate depth of field effects computationally, such as in Portrait Mode, the variable aperture system could deliver this effect naturally, without relying on post-processing tricks.

Rumours and industry insights

Speculation around the variable aperture system has been swirling since mid-2023, with analyst Ming-Chi Kuo doubling down on these claims in a recent update. According to Kuo, the iPhone 18 Pro’s wide-angle lens will adopt this technology, a shift that could transform the photography experience for users.

Kuo’s insight ties the development to BE Semiconductor, a supplier providing assembly equipment for aperture blades, which are essential for enabling this feature. These tiny, moving parts require precision engineering, making them a complex but worthwhile addition to the iPhone’s camera module.

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What this means for photographers

The inclusion of a variable aperture system could significantly elevate the iPhone’s photographic capabilities. It would offer professional-level control for enthusiasts who crave more than computational photography. This feature would bridge the gap between casual smartphone snaps and the artistry of DSLR-like photography.

For everyday users, it means better low-light performance and natural-looking portrait shots without relying on software-based blurring. The camera could adapt to diverse scenarios, from dimly lit evenings to vibrant daylight, making the iPhone 18 Pro a versatile tool for photography enthusiasts.

With this potential update, Apple seems poised to push the boundaries of smartphone photography once again, solidifying its place at the forefront of camera innovation. The rumoured feature underscores the tech giant’s commitment to blending advanced hardware with user-centric design.