iPhone 18 Pro to Feature Variable Aperture for Enhanced Photos

Just two months after the launch of the iPhone 16 series, rumors and leaks about the next iPhone models, including the iPhone 17 and iPhone 18, have already begun circulating.…

By Ishika Setia

November 14, 2024

2 min read

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Just two months after the launch of the iPhone 16 series, rumors and leaks about the next iPhone models, including the iPhone 17 and iPhone 18, have already begun circulating. While the iPhone 17 is expected to launch in 2025, the iPhone 18, set for release in 2026, is already generating buzz, especially regarding camera upgrades.

With every new generation of iPhone, Apple is consistently working to improve the camera of the device, and it sounds like there could be some exciting advancements coming with the next two iPhones.

iPhone 18 Pro to Feature Variable Aperture Camera for Improved Photography, Report Claims

According to leaks regarding the iPhone 17 series, both Pro and Pro Max models include a new 48MP ultrawide camera while all four iPhone 17 devices have been reported to receive upgraded front-facing cameras using a new APDS9200 front-facing camera with up to 24MP selfie shooter. The biggest camera improvement, however, could be saved for the iPhone 18 which may feature a variable aperture for the main camera on the high-end models—presumably the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max.

The multi-element lens variable aperture technology was originally anticipated for the iPhone 17 series, however, now highly-respected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claims that will be delayed to the iPhone 18. This functionality is imminent on many Android smartphones where photographers will have more control over the light exposure, especially in low-light environments. A variable aperture, on the other hand, can change the size of the lens opening to control exposure.

Apple’s implementation of variables should take the photo experience on the iPhone 18 Pro Max to the next level. Sunny Optical, Apple’s main supplier of similar lenses found in Android smartphones. Samsung had already offered this technology on the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S10 but the functionality never really caught on. However, it seems that even the implementation of variable aperture by Apple will lead to considerable changes in what an iPhone 18 camera is able to do.

FAQs

What is a variable aperture?

A variable aperture allows the camera lens to adjust its opening, controlling how much light enters, which helps with exposure in different lighting conditions.