Apple Reportedly Testing Advanced Camera Technologies for Future iPhones

Apple is reportedly developing new hardware advancements for its future smartphones, a shift from its recent emphasis on software improvements. While the company has been focusing on AI-driven features, as seen in iOS 18 and Apple Intelligence, it appears that significant hardware changes are also in progress.

A post on Weibo from the well-known tipster Digital Chat Station suggests that Apple is testing multiple new technologies. These include a multifold mid-bottom periscope zoom, a variable aperture main camera, a folding screen, and a miniaturized ToF 3D face recognition component. While there is no official confirmation regarding which iPhone model these upgrades will be implemented in, speculation from NotebookCheck points toward the iPhone 18 Pro.

If these developments materialize, they could offer substantial improvements in camera performance. A variable aperture main camera would provide greater control over depth of field, allowing for more professional-level photography. Additionally, the inclusion of a multifold periscope zoom could significantly enhance optical zoom capabilities, addressing one of the key areas where Apple’s competitors have had an advantage.

Despite the excitement surrounding these potential upgrades, Apple is not the only company exploring such technologies. Reports suggest that Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S25 Slim may also feature a Multifold Periscope Zoom, with leaks from @Jukanlosreve indicating a possible reveal as early as January at the Galaxy Unpacked event.

While these rumors are intriguing, Apple has not officially announced any of these features, and there is no guarantee they will appear in a final product. The company is known for rigorous testing and often shelves innovations that do not meet its standards. Until an official announcement is made, the specifics of Apple’s next-generation camera technology remain speculative.