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Apple looks set to break with a long-standing iPhone tradition: fixed-aperture main cameras. Industry sources tell ET News that the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max may finally adopt variable-aperture lenses, a feature Android flagships have used for years to boost low-light performance and shooting flexibility.
Sunny Optical named as primary supplier
According to the report, Apple has picked Sunny Optical to supply the variable-aperture modules for next year’s iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. This isn’t a brand-new rumor — whispers about flexible apertures on the iPhone 18 series have floated around since last year — but sourcing confirmation adds weight: Apple appears committed to the upgrade.
What to expect from the iPhone 18 Pro cameras
Leaks suggest the 18 Pro and Pro Max will keep the same size and overall design language as the iPhone 17 series. Beyond the variable aperture, another recent rumor even hints at an unusual transparent design on the rear of the phone. Whether that becomes reality remains to be seen, but the camera change feels more probable now that a supplier is reportedly in place.
Why variable aperture matters
Imagine switching the physical iris of a lens between wider and narrower settings to adapt instantly to bright sun or dim interiors. That’s the core advantage: variable aperture lets a camera trade depth of field and sharpness for more light gathering when needed, improving exposure control without relying solely on software processing.
- Better low-light shots with less noise
- Improved control over background blur and sharpness
- Smoother transitions across varied lighting conditions
Manufacturers such as Nubia have already demonstrated this tech in phones like the Z70 Ultra, and Samsung is reportedly planning variable aperture for its Galaxy S26 Ultra. Apple joining this group would narrow a visible hardware gap between iPhones and Android flagships.
What this means for buyers
If the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max indeed ship with variable-aperture main cameras, photographers and everyday users alike could see tangible benefits in a range of shooting scenarios — from dim indoor scenes to bright outdoor portraits. For now, treat the reports as credible rumors: the supplier confirmation nudges this from wishful thinking toward likely reality, but official Apple confirmation is still pending.
Keep an eye on Apple’s 2026 product cycle; if these pieces come together, the iPhone 18 series could be one of the most camera-focused upgrades in recent years.
Source: gsmarena
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