Apple could adopt a variable aperture system for the iPhone 18 Pro’s main camera that would enable the device to adjust the aperture size and light intake depending on surroundings.
DLSRs typically use a variable aperture lens system. Samsung and some Chinese Android manufacturers have also used the technology on their phones, albeit on a limited scale.
iPhone 18 Pro’s primary camera could get a better upgrade
Typically, smartphone manufacturers switch to a variable aperture system when using a large camera sensor. A variable aperature provides greater control over light intake, helping improve dynamic range in super-bright conditions like outdoors on a sunny day. Similarly, the aperture can be kept wide open in low-light scenarios to let as much light as possible.
A wide aperture paired with a big main camera sensor also allows for a natural bokeh effect. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is currently among the most popular smartphones on the market to use a variable aperture system for its primary camera. Depending on the lighting and use case, you can adjust the primary camera’s aperture from f/1.63 to f/4.0.
In a Medium post, TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo wrote that he thinks Apple will adopt a variable aperture system for the iPhone 18 Pro’s primary camera in 2026. BESI will reportedly supply Apple with the aperture blade assembly, boosting its revenue.
In July, Kuo predicted that the iPhone 17 could get a variable aperture system . But now, he thinks the feature won’t arrive until the iPhone 18 Pro in 2026.
Apple must use a larger camera sensor on its 2026 iPhone
A variable aperture system will only benefit image quality if Apple switches to a bigger primary camera sensor on the iPhone 18 Pro. Otherwise, the improvements would be limited.
A bigger sensor could further increase the iPhone’s camera bump. Apple could make design changes to its iPhone lineup in the next two years to make space for a larger primary camera.
