Apple Plans Major Camera Upgrade with Variable Aperture for iPhone 18 Series

Apple is reportedly preparing a significant camera enhancement for its upcoming iPhone 18 lineup, slated for release in 2026. The high-end models, particularly the iPhone 18 Pro Max, are expected to feature a variable aperture lens, a technology previously used by select Android smartphones. This addition could bring notable improvements to the iPhone’s photography functionality.

Renowned industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo shared insights on this anticipated upgrade, emphasizing the variable aperture’s impact on enhancing user photography experiences. The technology allows the camera to adjust the lens opening, modifying the light intake to suit various shooting conditions. For instance, a wider aperture can create an impressive bokeh effect, ideal for portraits, while a narrower aperture yields sharper images suitable for landscape shots.

Though brands like Huawei and Samsung have introduced variable aperture technology in their devices, Apple’s approach may set new standards by integrating this feature with its proprietary computational photography software. This combination is expected to unlock a broader range of possibilities for iPhone users in terms of photo quality and flexibility.

Sunny Optical, a prominent supplier with experience in creating variable aperture lens kits for Android devices, is predicted to become Apple’s second-largest provider of these lenses for the 2026 iPhone models. Additionally, the company is expected to take on a major role as Apple’s primary shutter supplier, further cementing its position within Apple’s supply chain alongside Largan Precision.