Overview
- South Korea’s ETNews reports Apple has finalized plans to add a mechanical variable aperture to the main camera on the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max.
- The system is described as exclusive to the Pro tier, with LG Innotek and Foxconn handling the camera module and Luxshare ICT and Sunny Optical supplying the actuator.
- A variable aperture physically adjusts light intake, enabling brighter low‑light shots, preventing overexposure in bright scenes, and offering more direct depth‑of‑field control.
- Apple has not previously used a variable aperture on iPhone; Samsung briefly did on the Galaxy S9/S10 before dropping it due to thickness and cost concerns.
- The reporting aligns with analyst Ming‑Chi Kuo’s earlier forecast, and while parts commercialization is said to be underway, the feature remains unconfirmed until Apple’s expected fall 2026 announcement.