Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reports (via Jukanlosreve on X) that the high-end iPhone 18 will feature a variable aperture main camera, already used in some Android phones to enhance photography. While initially rumored for the iPhone 17, this adjustable aperture is now expected on a possible iPhone 18.
What is a Variable Aperture? Why is This Exciting?
A camera’s aperture is the opening that lets in light, and most smartphones have fixed apertures. A variable aperture, however, allows you to adjust this opening, offering several benefits. With a variable aperture, you can control light better. A wide aperture lets in more light, which is great for low-light or night shots. For bright daytime shots, a narrow aperture reduces light to prevent overexposure.
Variable apertures also allow for depth control. A wider aperture creates a shallow depth of field, blurring the background for focused, portrait-style photos without software effects. On the other hand, a narrow aperture keeps the whole scene in focus, perfect for landscape shots.
Additionally, variable apertures help when shooting close-up photos. They let you get closer to your subject, which is especially useful with larger mobile camera sensors. Xiaomi’s Xiaomi 14 Ultra even uses this feature to create artistic effects, like starburst-shaped light sources.
Samsung first introduced variable aperture on modern smartphones with the Galaxy S9 in 2018, followed by OPPO’s R17 Pro that same year. Recently, this feature has reappeared on devices like Xiaomi’s Ultra series, HUAWEI’s latest flagship phones, and the new HONOR Magic 7 series.
Apple may not be the first to use variable aperture cameras, but there’s excitement about how the iPhone maker will implement this technology.
