Kuo goes ahead and informs us that the iPhone 18 Pro, due out in two years, is expected to be the first iPhone with a variable aperture primary lens. A process that greatly improves the quality of photos by adapting to all light conditions.
iPhone 18 Pro: even more beautiful photos
In an article published on the site Mediumanalyst Ming-Chi Kuo discusses an expected change on the iPhone 18 Pro. According to him, the main rear camera would have a variable aperture. A system that does not yet exist on iPhone which would allow it to come close to a professional camera.
A variable aperture on the iPhone camera means the lens can change the size of the aperture that lets light onto the sensor. Better light management, more precise depth of field and background blur control, and faster, sharper focusing.
Currently, the 48MP Fusion camera (main camera) of the iPhone 16 Pro has a fixed aperture of ƒ/1.78. The variable aperture could, for example, allow it to oscillate between an aperture of ƒ/1.5 and ƒ/2.4. The best of both worlds with excellent management in low and high light.
A simple explanation about focal aperture:
- Low light conditions : A wider aperture (like ƒ/1.5) lets in more light, improving the clarity of photos taken in the dark.
- Strong light conditions : A smaller aperture (like ƒ/2.4) reduces the amount of light, preventing overexposure in very bright environments and allowing a greater depth of field for sharper images.
Kuo also says that Sunny Optical and Largan Precision will be the two main suppliers of the iPhone 18 Pro’s variable aperture lens. An iPhone 18 Pro expected for September 2026. Let’s not forget that this is just a rumor. Variable aperture is surely in Apple’s plans, but it could arrive even later.
