Numerous reports indicate that a future iPhone is anticipated to feature a variable aperture lens within the next couple of years, though there is some debate regarding its debut in either the iPhone 17 or the iPhone 18.
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo had previously asserted that this significant camera enhancement would be introduced with the iPhone 18, while The Information suggested it would be a feature of the iPhone 17. Kuo has now reaffirmed his earlier prediction.
Variable Aperture Lenses
For a more thorough explanation with examples, please refer to our previous piece, but in summary, the key advantage lies in the capability to control the depth of field (DoF) in your photos.
You can achieve a shallow DoF to separate the subject from the background, a moderate DoF for some background recognition while maintaining subject isolation, or a deep DoF where everything in the shot remains in focus.
While Portrait mode creates this effect artificially and has been remarkably improved in recent versions, a variable aperture lens accomplishes it optically, leading to superior results— albeit with one limitation that I will address shortly.
There have been instances of controlling DoF with the 5x telephoto lens on the iPhone 15 Pro Max and in both iPhone 16 Pro models, primarily due to longer focal lengths naturally resulting in reduced DoF.
Moreover, you can obtain an optically shallow DoF by positioning the camera very close to the subject, as illustrated in the accompanying image.
Nonetheless, a variable aperture lens would provide enhanced control across various scenarios.
iPhone 17 or iPhone 18
In a summer report, The Information suggested that this feature might be launched next year.
The Information stated that “at least one” of the iPhone 17 variants next year will feature a significant camera upgrade that incorporates a mechanical system for controlling aperture size.
Contrarily, Kuo has mentioned in the past month that this feature would instead make its debut with the iPhone 18.
One significant upgrade for the high-end iPhone 18, slated for 2026, is the transition of the wide-camera lens to a variable aperture system, considerably improving the photography experience for users. My latest industry survey indicates that Sunny Optical will be the primary supplier of shutters (with Luxshare as a secondary supplier) and also the second supplier of variable aperture lenses, following Largan Precision.
A recent update from Kuo further reinforces this timeline.
The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to feature a wide camera with variable aperture by 2026. BESI is slated to supply the assembly equipment for the aperture blades, an essential part of this upgrade.
DMN’s Perspective
I introduced a forthcoming limitation earlier, which pertains to sensor size.
The necessity for Apple to create an artificial Portrait mode stems from the characteristic that smartphone photographs usually retain everything in focus, indicating a notably deep DoF. This is a direct consequence of the small sensors typically employed. Even with a wide aperture lens, the physical size of the sensor constrains the control over DoF.
Therefore, for any mechanical aperture control to be impactful, it will need to be paired with a larger sensor. Apple has increased sensor sizes in the iPhone 16 and there are indications it might do so again in the iPhone 18, although current reports remain somewhat elusive.
Regardless, this suggests that Apple remains firmly dedicated to enhancing camera functionalities.
Photo: DMN
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