Apple iPhone 18 Pro series tipped to introduce variable-aperture camera for greater creative control

Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 series could bring one of the biggest camera upgrades seen on an Apple flagship lineup in recent years. The iPhone 18 Pro series, which is expected to launch around September, may introduce a variable aperture camera system on both the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.

According to recent reports by 9to5Mac, one of the biggest additions to the new phones will be a variable aperture main camera, marking a departure from the current fixed-aperture design.

Supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has revealed that Apple may move away from the fixed f/1.78 aperture currently used on recent iPhone models.

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The new variable aperture system will enhance the iPhone’s capabilities by giving professional users greater control over their photography. Variable aperture systems allow users to adjust the amount of light entering the sensor depending on the scene and lighting conditions.

Such technology is commonly found in professional cameras. It enables users to better control depth of field, improve focus separation, enhance low-light photography, and manage exposure more effectively, offering greater flexibility when shooting videos and portraits.

Chinese supplier Sunny Optical could handle nearly half of Apple’s orders for the new lens component, and the upgraded camera module is expected to cost nearly 50% more than the one likely to be used in the iPhone 17 Pro series.

The higher production costs may put pressure on Apple’s pricing strategy. Although reports suggest that the company is trying to avoid price increases, more expensive components and industry-wide hardware costs could make that difficult.

Beyond the iPhone 18 series, Apple is reportedly planning even bigger camera upgrades for future iPhones. According to Kuo, upcoming models may feature an ultra-wide camera module that uses chip-on-board packaging technology.

This change could help Apple make camera components thinner while improving internal space management, potentially allowing for further hardware enhancements in future devices.