GoKawiiliPhone 18 Pro camera rumored to add variable-aperture lens
Reports ahead of Apple's Sept. 9 event suggest the iPhone 18 Pro's main camera could gain a variable aperture, letting the lens opening physically adjust rather than stay fixed like on the iPhone 17 Pro. Samsung and Xiaomi both tried similar variable-aperture designs in past flagships but later dropped the feature.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
A true variable aperture would give iPhone photographers more manual control over depth of field and light intake, something long reserved for dedicated cameras, and could be used to justify anticipated price hikes on the Pro and rumored foldable Ultra models. However, the feature's history of being abandoned by rivals raises questions about its long-term viability and actual image-quality benefit on a phone.
- iPhone 18 Pro may introduce a variable-aperture main camera, unlike the fixed f/1.78 aperture on the iPhone 17 Pro.
- Samsung and Xiaomi previously tried variable apertures on flagship phones but discontinued the feature in later models.
- The upgrade could help Apple justify expected price increases for the iPhone 18 Pro and foldable iPhone 18 Ultra.
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Published there as: “The iPhone 18 Pro Could Get a Variable-Aperture Camera, but What Does That Mean?”
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