iPhone 18 to Feature Variable Aperture Camera in 2026, Says Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo

Renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has revealed that Apple will introduce a variable aperture wide camera lens on the high-end iPhone 18 models in 2026, promising to significantly improve the photography experience. This advancement is expected to debut on the iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max, following Apple’s history of launching new camera technologies on its Pro models before expanding them to the rest of the lineup.

Apple has been known for its gradual approach to camera upgrades, often waiting to perfect new technologies before rolling them out. For example, the sensor-shift optical stabilization first appeared on the iPhone 12 Pro Max before becoming standard across later models. Similarly, the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s tetraprism zoom camera is now available on both iPhone 16 Pro models.

The variable aperture feature will enhance low-light photography with a wider aperture, improving night shots and allowing for manual adjustments to create a shallow depth-of-field effect, beneficial for portraits. A narrower aperture will better manage bright environments, providing more control over exposure and clarity. This type of aperture control has been seen in competing devices, such as the Xiaomi 14 Ultra and the Honor Magic 6 Pro. Samsung also experimented with this technology in older models like the Galaxy S9 and S10.

Kuo’s prediction comes from his analysis of Sunny Optical’s future financial performance, a key player expected to supply these variable aperture components. Sunny Optical will be the primary supplier of camera shutters, with Luxshare as a secondary source. They will also become the second supplier of variable aperture lenses, following Largan Precision. Sunny Optical’s expertise in designing variable aperture systems for Android smartphones strengthens their role in Apple’s supply chain.

Adding artificial intelligence to the equation, Apple could leverage computational photography to automatically select the optimal aperture for any given shot, while still allowing manual overrides. The upcoming iPhone 18 series may feature new Camera Control options, enabling users to adjust the aperture as desired.

However, Kuo’s prediction contradicts a previous report from The Information, which suggested that at least one iPhone 17 model would debut with this camera technology. This discrepancy indicates that Apple may have initially planned the feature for the iPhone 17 but later postponed it. As the development progresses, more details are expected to emerge about the iPhone 17’s camera system in the coming months.