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Apple is reportedly preparing to add variable aperture optics to the iPhone 18 lineup — but don’t expect the feature to be standard across every model. Early reports suggest the upgrade will land on the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, giving those flagships a clear imaging edge in 2026.
What variable aperture brings to smartphone cameras
Variable aperture lets a camera physically change the lens opening to control how much light hits the sensor. That matters for low-light shots, depth of field control, and smooth video exposure transitions. In other words, it’s a tangible hardware boost that complements Apple’s strong computational photography and could deliver cleaner night photos and more cinematic video.
Only Pro buyers likely to benefit — and why
According to multiple supply-chain reports, Apple will limit variable aperture to the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. That exclusivity makes sense from a market perspective: hardware differentiation helps justify premium pricing and gives Apple a feature to advertise over less expensive models.
Who’s building the parts?
The supply chain picture is already coming into focus. Sunny Optical is reportedly the main manufacturer, with Largan acting as a secondary supplier. Component makers mentioned in leaks include LG Innotek and Foxconn for assembly, Luxshare for actuators, and Besi supplying the tiny blades that open and close to change the aperture.
Why Apple is revisiting a well-known idea
Variable aperture isn’t new — Samsung introduced it with the Galaxy S8 series. But manufacturers have often sidestepped it because the mechanism adds thickness and cost. Apple appears willing to accept those trade-offs for its Pro models, betting that customers will pay extra for superior optics plus its software-driven image processing.
Will rivals strike back?
Leaks suggest Samsung removed variable aperture from later Galaxy S phones because of cost and design constraints. However, with shifting materials and chassis decisions across the industry, the feature could return to rival flagships as companies chase headline camera specs to compete with Apple’s Pro-tier offerings.
For consumers, this means the next big camera battleground may be a mix of hardware mechanisms like variable aperture and the companies’ respective computational photography ecosystems. Expect more detailed hands-on testing next year once the iPhone 18 family is announced.
Source: wccftech
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