Usually Apple adopts a conservative and steady approach to new technologies, resulting in a slower pace than its competitors. Now, the iPhone photography function seems to have gradually accelerated in recent years. According to the latest news from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the iPhone 18 Pro series is expected to introduce variable aperture camera technology, which will bring a more advanced shooting experience to professional users.
Variable aperture is expected to significantly improve iPhone photography capabilities
Apple plans to add a variable aperture lens to the iPhone 18 series in 2026. Ming-Chi Kuo believes that the variable aperture function will only be used on the iPhone 18 Pro series models, which will greatly improve the shooting effect in low-light environments and enhance depth of field control, similar to The features of high-end DSLR cameras further differentiate the basic model from the Pro model.
It is obvious that Apple has gradually introduced new camera technologies for the iPhone in recent years, from sensor-shift optical image stabilization (OIS), 48-megapixel sensors, and the “Four Lens” technology of the five-time telephoto lens, almost every year. The introduction continues. The latest news shows that the iPhone 17 series will also use 48-megapixel sensors for the main camera and telephoto lens. From a timetable perspective, Apple’s next step will be to introduce variable aperture technology for the iPhone 18 series. Reasonable.
Although the innovation of variable aperture cameras on mobile phones is not the first in the industry, Samsung was the first to introduce it in the Galaxy S9 series as early as 2018. Currently, flagship models including Xiaomi 14 Pro and Ultra also use this technology.
What role does lens variable aperture technology play in the iPhone?
Variable aperture technology mainly allows the camera to automatically adjust the size of the lens opening according to light conditions and control the amount of light entering the sensor. This technology has also been used in some high-end Android phones and DSLR cameras.
Variable aperture lens effect pic.twitter.com/QpxOIgmM0z
— Mr. Mad (@MrMadtw) November 11, 2024
Currently, the aperture of the main lens of iPhone 14 Pro, 15 Pro and 16 Pro is fixed at ƒ/1.78. If variable aperture technology can be introduced, the iPhone camera can adjust the aperture size according to the light conditions, which will be helpful for shooting in low-light environments. It can produce higher-quality photos and provide more flexible depth-of-field control when the light is sufficient, allowing users to have the flexibility of depth-of-field control like a professional camera.
Apple’s photosensitive component supply chain will join Samsung
Ming-Chi Kuo also pointed out that the new main lens shutter suppliers of Apple iPhone 18 Pro are Sunny Optical and Luxshare, while the variable aperture lens will be provided by Sunny Optical and Largan. It is worth noting that Apple may break its exclusive cooperation with Sony for many years and is considering adding Samsung as a supplier of camera sensor components.
Of course, the iPhone 18 series will not be launched until at least 2027. If there is not much demand for photography, the iPhone 17 Pro series will be a good choice. It is expected to be equipped with a more powerful A19 Pro chip and large and high-capacity memory to support more Advanced AI functions and a 48MP telephoto lens. For more detailed improvements, please refer to the iPhone 17 related articles below.
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