iPhone 18 Pro rumored to feature variable aperture camera in 2026

The iPhone 18 Pro will most likely launch in September 2026 and will reportedly introduce a variable aperture for the main camera, as noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, whose Apple-related predictions tend to be correct.

Variable aperture: the new hot spot for flagship cameras?

Variable aperture technology allows the camera to change the size of the lens opening, allowing more or less light depending on the scene. A wider aperture allows for better performance in low light and a shallower depth of field, which essentially means more natural blurring of the background and foreground. A narrower aperture means more of the lens will be in focus and less light will get in. Early adopters were the Samsung Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S10; next came Huawei’s Mate 50 Pro, which perfected the idea by touting multiple apertures. recent, Xiaomi Mi 14 Ultra Commemorative Edition A sophisticated system was introduced, with variable aperture control from f/1.42 all the way to f/4.0. So the takeaway is that variable aperture allows for the creative flexibility that camera enthusiasts are looking for. Needless to say, this is a niche feature as far as phone cameras go, so it makes sense that we only see it on the iPhone Pro.

But there’s something else, arguably more important, that the iPhone camera system could benefit from. For example, eliminate light reflections that occur when light hits the camera directly. This is a long-standing problem on iPhone that can ruin a good memory, especially when we talk about video recording.

The zoom function also needs an upgrade. While image quality is pretty good across the optical zoom range, Apple still has a long way to go when it comes to zoom, even beyond what the hardware allows.