Apple is working on a significant camera upgrade for the iPhone 18, which will be released in 2026, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The analyst says the iPhone 18's main rear camera will be upgraded to a variable aperture lens for the first time.
In a blog post focused primarily on Apple's supply chain relationship ahead of the iPhone 17 and iPhone 18, Kuo says:
One major upgrade for the 2026 iPhone 18 is the wide-angle lens being upgraded to a variable aperture camera, greatly improving the user's photography experience. My latest industry survey shows that Sunny Optical will be the primary shutter supplier (with Luxshare as a secondary) and the second variable aperture lens supplier (after Largan Precision).
The Information previously reported that Apple would introduce a variable aperture lens in at least one iPhone 17 model next year. Today’s report from Kuo seems to suggest that the change has been delayed and is now planned for one of the high-end iPhone 18 models.
With a variable aperture, the iPhone 18’s main camera lens can physically adjust the size of its aperture (hole) to control the amount of light that reaches the camera sensor. This could provide improvements in low-light photography, better control over depth of field, and greater versatility in different lighting conditions and environments.
My colleague Ben Lovejoy previously explained in detail why a variable aperture iPhone camera would make such a big difference to photographers.
- This iPhone 17 Feature Could Be a Big Deal for Photographers
My Favorite iPhone Accessories:
- USB-C to USB-C Cable with LED Display
- Belkin 3-in-1 MagSafe Charging Pad
- Satechi 165W Charging Station with 4 USB-C Ports
- Beats Pill Bluetooth Speaker
