Overview
- Digital Chat Station’s Weibo post on Wednesday outlined a four-part camera plan, with a variable aperture expected first on the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max later this year.
- Component production for the variable-aperture system has reportedly begun, with Largan and Sunny Optical named as suppliers in recent coverage.
- Other upgrades under evaluation include a larger 1/1.12-inch main sensor, stronger optical stabilization for the ultra-wide lens, and a 200MP periscope telephoto that reports say is unlikely before 2028.
- Fresh dummy units shared by YouTuber Vadim Yuryev suggest a thicker camera plateau and more protruding lenses on the iPhone 18 Pro Max, hinting at larger or more complex camera modules.
- Variable aperture lets the lens open wide in low light and stop down in bright scenes, which could reduce overexposure and give users real depth-of-field control rather than simulated background blur.