iPhone 18 Pro: New camera with variable aperture Apfelpatient

Many rumors surrounding the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max currently revolve around a camera feature that Samsung previously included and later removed: a variable aperture in the main camera. If this feature is implemented, it would represent a significant shift in direction for Apple, as iPhones have consistently relied on a fixed aperture setting.

The expectation is quite clear: The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to have a significantly improved main camera with a variable aperture. Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo was the first to report this in December 2024, stating that both Pro models would have a variable aperture on their rear main camera. A report from October 2025 followed up, describing how Apple was further developing this technology for the next iPhone generation and was in discussions with suppliers about the necessary components.

What a variable aperture actually is

The aperture is the opening in the camera lens that controls how much light reaches the image sensor. With a variable aperture, this opening isn't fixed but can be adjusted. This is achieved through tiny blades that open or close.

In dark environments, the aperture can open to allow more light to reach the sensor.
In bright environments, it can close to avoid overexposure.
Additionally, there is more control over the depth of field: that is, how strongly the subject and background appear separated (foreground sharper, background blurrier or vice versa).

Why this is noticeable on the iPhone 18 Pro

Apple has never used a variable aperture in an iPhone camera before. Instead, the main camera in the Pro models has had a fixed aperture for several generations.

Specifically: The main cameras of all models from the iPhone 14 Pro to the iPhone 17 Pro have a fixed aperture of ƒ/1.78. The lens is always fully open and continuously shoots at this aperture. The iPhone 18 Pro would differ from this with its variable aperture.

Samsung had the feature before, but then removed it

Samsung was ahead of the curve with this idea. In 2018 and 2019, Samsung included a camera with a variable aperture in its flagship phones:

Galaxy S9 (2018)
Galaxy S10 (2019)

In recent years, the technology has also appeared in other Android smartphones, for example in the:

Xiaomi 14 Ultra
Honor Magic 7 Pro
as well as in the Huawei Mate series

Despite its advantages over fixed apertures, Samsung removed the feature in 2020. The main reasons cited were that the components made the device thicker and more expensive. Samsung thus switched from the superior, but more complex, solution back to cameras with fixed apertures.

Ironically, Samsung now wants to return to variable aperture

The second part of the rumors is interesting: Samsung is said to be moving back towards variable apertures, thus indirectly following Apple's lead.

Reports indicate that Samsung sees the variable aperture as "necessary to increase the camera's competitiveness." The idea behind this is to rely more on physical hardware rather than software correction. Furthermore, Samsung reportedly hopes that investing in this technology will:

the thickness (i.e., height) of camera solutions can be reduced in the long term
and the costs can decrease over time

In this context, Samsung has reportedly asked several camera module partners to develop variable apertures and provide prototypes to keep pace with Apple's plans. This is still considered an early development phase. A final decision to integrate the technology into future Galaxy devices has not yet been confirmed. However, there is talk of a "strong will" to see the project through.

More rumors surrounding the iPhone 18 Pro

In addition to the variable aperture, other features are mentioned for the iPhone 18 Pro models:

a smaller Dynamic Island
the A20 chip
longer battery life
a C2 modem
a simplified camera control button
an N1 wireless chip
and more

The launch is expected in the fall. The first foldable iPhone is also expected to be released alongside the Pro models.

iPhone 18 Pro: Technology instead of pure computational photography

The iPhone 18 Pro could bring back a camera feature with its variable aperture, which Samsung has already tested, then scrapped for practical reasons, and now apparently has back on its radar. The key point isn't so much "new" as it is a return to hardware that allows for genuine physical control: more flexibility in lighting, less risk of overexposure, and greater influence over depth of field.

In addition, there are several other rumors surrounding the chip, battery life, wireless technology, and design. If the package is confirmed this fall, the iPhone 18 Pro wouldn't just be a routine update, but a clear step towards "more camera technology in the device" instead of solely more computationally intensive photography. The best products for you: Our Amazon storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Shutterstock / Anna Hoychuk)