Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro, set to launch in September 2026, is already stirring excitement among tech enthusiasts. Ming-Chi Kuo, renowned TF Securities International analyst, has revealed that Apple’s upcoming flagship will feature a variable aperture in its primary camera, marking a significant leap in iPhone photography capabilities. This long-awaited upgrade will give Apple’s high-end models an edge in low-light performance and depth-of-field control, a feature already present in flagship devices from Samsung and Xiaomi.
Breaking Down the Variable Aperture Upgrade for iPhone 18 Pro
Kuo, in a recent Medium post, shared that this new variable aperture technology will “significantly enhance the user photography experience” on the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. The variable aperture will allow the camera to dynamically adjust the amount of light hitting the sensor, resulting in sharper images with greater depth in a wider range of lighting conditions. This capability is expected to empower iPhone users with greater versatility in their photography, particularly in challenging low-light settings.
The iPhone’s camera upgrade aligns with Apple’s strategic partnerships in the optics industry. According to Kuo, Sunny Optical will take on a significant role as the primary shutter supplier, with Luxshare supporting as secondary. The variable aperture lens, a first for Apple, will be co-developed by Sunny Optical and Largan Precision.
A Long-Awaited Feature Now Confirmed for 2026
Originally, rumors suggested that iPhone 17 models would introduce variable aperture technology in 2025. However, Kuo’s insights now point to the iPhone 18 Pro as the first model to receive this advancement, pushing the timeline forward. As Apple’s competitors, such as Samsung’s Galaxy S9 and the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, have already integrated variable aperture into their flagship devices, this move marks Apple’s entry into a more sophisticated photography experience.
Why Variable Aperture Matters: Elevating Low-Light Photography
Variable aperture technology is particularly beneficial for low-light photography and creative depth-of-field effects. By adjusting the aperture size, cameras can control the amount of light reaching the sensor, ensuring photos are crisp and detailed regardless of ambient lighting. The feature also offers enhanced control over the depth of field, providing users with a new level of artistic control in their photos.
With more details expected in the months leading up to the iPhone 18 Pro’s release, Apple’s commitment to photography innovation is clear. As Apple aims to raise the bar for smartphone cameras, this new upgrade could bring iPhone photography into a new era of professional-grade quality, ensuring the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max stand as industry leaders in mobile photography.
