Evidence is mounting for a major camera update in the iPhone 18 Pro. At the heart of this is a supposedly new camera system with a variable aperture, which, according to a recent leak, is already in a late-stage testing phase. Additionally, another, rather unusual term has surfaced: teleconverter. The combination of these features would open up new possibilities, especially for photos and videos, but (as is typical for Apple) comes with a clear caveat: tested does not mean final.
The information originates from the Chinese leak scene surrounding Apple's supply chain. This often involves prototypes, technical samples, and parallel evaluations. With the iPhone 18 Pro in particular, it's important to distinguish between things that are tested during the development process and those that don't necessarily make it into mass production. Nevertheless, the timing is interesting because the basic device design is usually finalized at this stage, and Apple is more likely testing individual modules and functions for mass production readiness.
Leak from China: Variable aperture is said to be in a later testing phase
In a recent Weibo post, the account "Smart Pikachu" writes that the variable aperture on the iPhone 18 Pro is already in a late stage of technical testing. At the same time, it states that a teleconverter is "currently being reviewed".
- For context: This late prototyping phase is typically used to test near-production components under realistic conditions. The focus is less on "can it be built?" and more on reliability, optical performance, and mass production.
Planned launch: iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in September 2026
According to the aforementioned claim, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are slated for release in September 2026. This aligns with the typical iPhone cycle, but is particularly relevant here because it demonstrates how far along development is likely to have progressed by that time.
Why a variable aperture would be exciting on the iPhone 18 Pro
A variable aperture on the iPhone 18 Pro could improve exposure control, especially for videos. By optically reducing the amount of light entering the camera, it would be easier to achieve natural motion blur and more consistent exposure in bright situations. Instead of relying solely on computational methods or extremely short exposure times to "tame" the image, some of the control would be directly managed by the lens.
Kuo and other reports: Variable aperture has been under discussion for some time
The idea is not new, but the signals are becoming more concrete:
- Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo stated back in December 2024 that the main rear camera of both iPhone 18 Pro models would feature a variable aperture. This would be a first for the iPhone.
- A report from October 2025 added: Apple is pushing ahead with the integration of this technology into the next iPhone generation and is discussing suitable components with suppliers.
The variable aperture now seems like a feature that Apple is at least seriously pushing towards mass production.
Teleconverter on the iPhone 18 Pro: New, unusual, difficult to assess
The claim about teleconverters, however, is new and seems unusual in the context of smartphones. With classic DSLR cameras, teleconverters are additional optical elements used on lenses to increase the effective focal length. This increases the zoom range, but at the expense of the amount of light reaching the sensor.
How Apple would implement this in a smartphone remains to be seen. Only the basic technical logic is clear. If Apple introduces an optical system that works "teleconverter-like," very likely less light will reach the sensor. This is precisely where the connection to a variable aperture becomes interesting. In theory, a variable aperture could give Apple more flexibility in exposure, especially in conjunction with computational photography systems.
Development cycle: Design is finalized, camera functions are evaluated in parallel
The overall design of the iPhone 18 Pro is likely largely finalized by this stage of the development cycle. What Apple typically continues to do at this stage is evaluate specific features such as camera modules. Parallel testing is possible without Apple committing to a feature for mass production. This leaves room for changes.
Why features can still be cut despite testing
Apple uses this late development phase to test:
- whether the optical performance is correct,
- whether the reliability is suitable for everyday use,
- and how well the system can be mass-produced.
If a feature doesn't meet quality standards, it can be removed at any time. There were already rumors about a variable aperture for at least one iPhone 17 model, which ultimately wasn't implemented.
Source "Smart Pikachu": Still to be used with caution on Apple's website
„"Smart Pikachu" is known for often providing accurate details about Android products before their market launch. However, the account is relatively new to the Chinese supply chain rumor mill when it comes to Apple rumors. Therefore, its information should be treated with caution.
iPhone 18 Pro: Camera upgrade with uncertain outcome
With the iPhone 18 Pro, it looks like Apple is tackling the camera at a particularly sensitive point: the lens itself. A variable aperture seems increasingly plausible given the repeated hints from the supply chain and analysts, while a teleconverter, though an intriguing idea, remains much less tangible. Apple is apparently testing, evaluating, and can even scrap features late in the game. If both options are implemented, the iPhone 18 Pro could see a significant improvement, especially in video and zoom capabilities. If not, at least the variable aperture remains the more realistic upgrade. (Image: Shutterstock / BigTunaOnline)
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