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Sunny Optical Wins Major Share of Apple’s Planned Variable‑Aperture Lens Orders

Supply‑chain checks show the costlier lens could squeeze Apple’s component margins, prompting a choice between absorbing expenses or raising iPhone prices.

Overview

  • Late May supply‑chain checks by analyst Ming‑Chi Kuo report Sunny Optical has secured roughly 40–50% of orders for a variable‑aperture main lens expected for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max.
  • The same checks say Sunny has become a camera‑module supplier for Apple’s new MacBook Neo as that notebook’s 2026 shipment forecast was raised following stronger demand.
  • Kuo estimates the variable‑aperture lens will carry about a 50% higher unit price than Apple’s current high‑end 7P lens, increasing component costs per phone.
  • Analysts warn that the lens price rise, together with climbing memory costs, could tighten Apple’s margins and force a decision on whether to absorb costs or pass them to buyers.
  • Apple plans a later move from flip‑chip to chip‑on‑board packaging for ultra‑wide modules around 2028, and Sunny is also expanding into AI optics projects for devices and data‑center gear.