Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reports that the company is planning a major upgrade for the iPhone 18, expected to launch in 2026. For the first time, the iPhone 18 will feature a main rear camera with a variable aperture lens.
Kuo’s blog post discusses Apple’s supply chain dynamics as we approach the iPhone 17 and iPhone 18 releases:
A significant upgrade for the premium iPhone 18 in 2026 is the introduction of a wide-camera lens with a variable aperture, which will greatly enhance the photography experience for users. My most recent industry survey reveals that Sunny Optical will serve as the primary supplier of the shutter, with Luxshare as a secondary option, and Largan Precision will remain the leading source for the second variable aperture lens.
The Information had previously indicated that a variable aperture lens would be introduced in at least one model of the iPhone 17 next year. However, Kuo’s latest update suggests that this feature has been postponed to one of the high-end iPhone 18 variants.
With a variable aperture, the iPhone 18’s main camera lens will be able to physically adjust its aperture size to regulate the amount of light that enters the camera sensor. This enhancement could significantly boost low-light photography, depth of field management, and adaptability in various lighting scenarios.
My colleague Ben Lovejoy has provided an in-depth analysis of why a variable aperture camera would be groundbreaking for photographers.
