Apple could add a variable aperture to the iPhone 17’s primary camera. A variable aperture, commonly found in DSLRs and other high-end cameras, would allow the sensor to limit the light intake for higher-quality images.
It also would enable a better depth-of-field effect, with a nice background blur when taking close-up shots of a subject.
iPhone 17 with variable aperture camera could control bokeh
Apple upgrades its flagship iPhone camera sensors almost every year for better imaging performance. A bigger camera sensor allows for more light intake, leading to better low-light performance. However, there are downsides to large camera sensors. In daylight, the extra light can overwhelm the camera, leading to blown-out highlights and exposure problems.
Another issue is when capturing close-up shots of a subject. A bigger camera with a wide aperture will have a limited focus area, causing other parts of the subject to appear blurry. Using a slower aperture or a smaller sensor is not a viable solution when taking close-ups, as it will compromise image quality. Taking a cue from DSLRs and some high-end Android phones, Apple reportedly plans to use a variable aperture on the iPhone 17 next year.
The Information reports that Apple plans to add a mechanically controlled variable aperture to at least one iPhone 17 model next year. This would enable the camera to adjust its aperture based on the lighting condition and the scene to get the best output.
Given the space required for a variable aperture, the rumored iPhone 17 Slim is unlikely to pack the system. Instead, Apple might debut the variable aperture technology on the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Flagship Chinese Android phones already use a variable aperture system
Many Chinese Android manufacturers already use variable apertures on their flagship phones. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s primary 50MP sensor uses a variable aperture system, enabling stepless adjustment between f/1.6 and 4.0. Samsung also used a variable aperture system on its flagship Galaxy S phone, released in 2018, but gave up on it soon after.
Since the iPhone 17 remains more than a year away from release, a lot could change by then. If Apple goes ahead with a variable aperture, it should allow the 2025 iPhone to capture better pictures.
