Before the iPhone 17 series could make it to the market, the rumours around the iPhone 18 Pro models started churning. Speculated to launch in 2026, the iPhone 18 Pro models are rumoured to pack a variable aperture, the first time to be seen on an iPhone. Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo stated that the iPhone’s main camera is getting an exciting upgrade in the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro models, with 48-megapixel. Currently, the iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro models all have a fixed aperture of Æ/1.78. This means the lens is always fully open, allowing as much light as possible to pass through for optimal exposure. However, with the iPhone 18 Pro, Apple is rumoured to introduce a revolutionary feature: a variable aperture.
iPhone 18 Pro camera leak
A variable aperture in an iPhone, which is typically found in professional DSLR and mirrorless cameras from brands like Sony and Canon, would mark a significant leap. With a variable aperture, users would have the power to manually adjust the amount of light entering the camera, giving them more creative control over how their photos look. The ability to adjust the aperture could also allow for greater manipulation of depth of field—offering more control over the blurriness of the background, a feature that could improve how portraits and close-up shots are captured.
This new feature would give users more flexibility, especially when paired with other enhancements like Apple’s Portrait mode, which artificially blurs the background to create a “bokeh” effect.
Another intriguing part of the rumour is that the Dutch company BE Semiconductor will be supplying the technology for the aperture blades—the mechanical components that will allow the aperture to change size. This technology will make it possible for the iPhone 18 Pro’s camera to adapt its light intake for different shooting conditions.
While this feature was also rumoured for the iPhone 17 models previously, it seems Apple will reserve it for the iPhone 18 Pro, which is expected to debut in September 2026. Whether or not Apple will also upgrade the iPhone 18 Pro’s sensor size is still unclear, but such an enhancement could pave the way for even more natural and dynamic bokeh effects in photos.
As the story of the iPhone’s camera capabilities continues to evolve, the addition of variable aperture stands out as one of the most exciting rumours to date, promising a new level of control and creativity for iPhone photographers. Since the iPhone 18 series is speculated to come in 2026, there are still several months to go before the launch. Hence, we advise you to take this information with a pinch of salt. The exact details will be released during the launch.
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