iPhone 18 Pro could have a camera with a variable aperture like DSLRs

According to Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, expected in 2026, will introduce a professional-level innovation: the main camera will have a variable aperture. This technology, typical of DSLR and mirrorless cameras, will allow users to manually control the amount of light that passes through the lens and reaches the sensor, a significant change from the fixed aperture of ƒ/1.78 found in current models.

Advantages of variable aperture

With this feature, users will have greater control over depth of fieldor the sharpness of the subject in the foreground compared to the background. Currently, Apple uses Portrait mode to simulate the bokeh effectwhich artificially blurs the background. However, a variable aperture combined with a larger sensor could allow for a more natural bokeh effect, making photo quality on iPhone even closer to that of professional cameras.

Despite this promise, the actual impact of the variable aperture may be limited by the small size of the sensor of smartphone cameras. However, if Apple decides to increase the size of the sensor, the improvements to depth of field could be significant.

A leap compared to previous expectations

Kuo added that variable aperture technology will be supplied by Dutch manufacturer BE Semiconductor. This development will require the integration of a system of mechanical blades that will regulate the amount of light, a complex and technologically advanced component. This feature was initially planned for at least one iPhone 17 model, but according to Kuo, its debut will instead take place with the iPhone 18 Pro line. This update suggests that Apple is taking a more ambitious approach to ensuring a superior photography experience on its future models.

If confirmed, the introduction of the variable aperture would represent a major step forward for iPhone photographybringing it even closer to the capabilities of professional cameras. However, doubts remain about the actual benefit of this feature on a compact device like the iPhone.