iPhone 18 Pro Camera: Two Major Upgrades in Testing
▼ Summary
– Apple is testing a new main camera with a variable aperture for the iPhone, which would adjust light intake and improve depth-of-field control.
– This testing corroborates previous rumors that the iPhone 18 Pro models will feature this upgraded variable aperture main camera.
– Apple has never used a variable aperture on an iPhone before, as all recent Pro models have had a fixed ƒ/1.78 aperture.
– Apple is also testing a new telephoto camera with a larger aperture for the iPhone 18 Pro, which would improve low-light performance and background separation.
– Other rumored features for the iPhone 18 Pro include a teleconverter for better zoom and a 24-megapixel front camera, with a launch expected next fall.
Apple is reportedly testing two significant camera upgrades for its upcoming flagship smartphones, focusing on enhanced photographic control and low-light performance. According to a well-known source within the tech community, these developments involve a new main camera with a variable aperture and an improved telephoto lens.
The primary upgrade centers on a main camera with a variable aperture, a feature never before used in an iPhone. This technology allows the lens to physically adjust its opening to control the amount of light hitting the sensor. In practical terms, it means the camera can open wider in dim conditions to capture more light and close down in bright scenes to prevent overexposure. This also grants users greater creative control over depth of field, making it easier to achieve professional-looking background blur, or bokeh, in portraits. This report aligns with earlier supply chain analysis from late 2024, which first indicated Apple’s plans to implement variable aperture technology in its Pro models. While Samsung introduced a similar feature in its Galaxy S9 and S10 series, it was later discontinued, reportedly due to added bulk and cost.
The second major improvement under testing is a new telephoto camera with a larger aperture. Current iPhone 17 Pro models use a telephoto lens with an ƒ/2.8 aperture. Although the sensor was recently upgraded to 48 megapixels, the aperture size remained unchanged. A wider aperture on the telephoto lens would significantly boost its ability to gather light. This translates to better performance in low-light situations, reduced image noise, faster shutter speeds, and more pronounced background separation for subjects shot at a distance. This enhancement would address a key area for mobile photographers seeking higher-quality zoom capabilities.
Additional rumors circulating about the iPhone 18 Pro series include the potential integration of a teleconverter for increased optical zoom range and an upgraded 24-megapixel front-facing camera. These devices are anticipated to debut next fall, potentially alongside Apple’s first foray into the foldable smartphone market.
(Source: Mac Rumors)
