Apple’s iPhone camera preferences have been centered around fixed aperture for years. This approach was retained despite the variable aperture technology that Android manufacturers adopted years ago. However, this situation seems to change as of next year. With the iPhone 18 Pro models, Apple is preparing for a significant technical change in the camera.
Information from the supply chain now paints a clearer picture. According to a new report by South Korea-based ET News, Apple is preparing to switch to a variable aperture system on the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models. This information is not actually brought up for the first time; Similar claims began to be made about a year ago. Now, concrete details about the production process of this system are emerging. Moreover, the variable aperture feature is expected to make a difference not only on the hardware but also on the software side. Thus, the user experience can become much more flexible.
Sunny Optical will provide the variable aperture system in iPhone 18 Pro models
One of the most notable elements behind this change was Apple’s preferred supplier. It is claimed that China-based Sunny Optical will provide this lens system. This company, which has been producing camera lenses for many years, has previously offered solutions to brands such as Samsung and Huawei. Apple’s choice of such a supplier is remarkable in terms of reliability as well as production capacity. This choice shows that Apple is considering variable aperture technology as a permanent feature, not just a test. On the other hand, it is stated that Sunny Optical has rearranged its production process to comply with Apple standards.
The biggest difference of the variable aperture system is that it can dynamically adapt to light conditions. While fixed diaphragm structures cannot provide sufficient light intake in dimly lit environments, this system offers the opposite advantage. Thus, brighter, more detailed frames can be produced in low light. Under bright light, the aperture narrows to preserve the sharpness of the image. Thanks to this structure, it is possible to manually adjust the exposure balance between day and night. When all these come together, a serious improvement in photo quality is expected.
Examples of this technology have been seen on the Android front in the past. In particular, Samsung offered variable aperture in the Galaxy S9 and S10 models. However, this feature was withdrawn in the following years. Now, it is noteworthy that both Apple has taken this step and the information that Samsung will re-introduce a similar system in the Galaxy S26 Ultra model. The fact that two major manufacturers are turning to similar technologies in the same period raises expectations on the user side. A new balance can be established in camera technology.
It is estimated that Apple will keep this change limited to the Pro series only. It is said that the classic fixed aperture system will continue in the iPhone 18 and 18 Plus models. Reasons such as production costs and segment separation may lie behind this choice. The Pro series has long had more advanced features in terms of cameras; This structure seems to continue. Despite everything, the fact that this new camera system will only be available to Pro users may cause controversy.
On the design side, no major changes are expected. It is stated that the case structure and overall dimensions of the iPhone 18 Pro models will be very similar to the iPhone 17 series. However, some sources report that the use of a translucent material on the back surface of the device is on the agenda. If this design is preferred, Apple will have moved away from the simple back cover approach that it has adopted for a long time. However, it should be noted that these claims have not been confirmed yet.
With the new aperture structure, Apple plans to offer not only better photo quality but also more advanced control options. Softer depths of field can be achieved in portrait modes and clearer details in night shots. Additionally, in cinematic video modes, it may be possible to achieve more natural transitions thanks to aperture control. This may be a detail that appeals to professional users. User feedback in this area can directly influence the future evolution of the system.
This feature has not been officially announced by Apple yet. However, information from the supply chain shows that the plans have become largely clear. It is known that Apple generally integrates new technologies into devices by passing them through more than one internal test. For this reason, the variable aperture system is likely to be accepted in criteria such as performance, energy consumption and software compatibility. This structure is expected to transform not only the camera quality but also the general photography approach of the device.