Apple is reportedly planning to introduce a variable aperture camera system in its iPhone lineup, with the feature expected to debut on the iPhone 18 Pro models anticipated for release in 2026.
A variable aperture allows the camera to adjust the size of the lens opening, controlling the amount of light that reaches the sensor. This capability offers several advantages:
- Enhanced Low-Light Performance: In dim conditions, a wider aperture permits more light to enter, resulting in brighter and clearer images.
- Improved Depth of Field Control: Adjusting the aperture enables photographers to achieve a natural background blur (bokeh) without relying solely on software-based effects, enhancing portrait photography.
While some Android smartphones, such as Samsung's Galaxy S9 and Xiaomi's 14 Ultra, have previously featured variable aperture systems, Apple's implementation is expected to offer more precise control, potentially providing a photography experience closer to that of DSLR cameras.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo indicates that Apple will collaborate with suppliers like Sunny Optical and Largan Precision to develop the variable aperture lenses for the iPhone 18 Pro.
As the iPhone 18 Pro's release is projected for 2026, further details about this feature and its implementation are likely to emerge as the launch date approaches.