Rumors suggest iPhone 18 Pro could feature a variable aperture system and teleconverter for enhanced photography, launching in 2026. Learn about potential camera upgrades.
© A. Krivonosov
Apple may be preparing one of the most significant camera upgrades in recent years. According to new rumors, the iPhone 18 Pro could feature a variable aperture system along with the ability to mount a teleconverter. Chinese insider Smart Pikachu reports that this technology has already reached the late engineering sample stage, which typically indicates active testing before final specifications are approved. The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to launch in September 2026.
A variable aperture would allow users to manually control the amount of light reaching the sensor. In practice, this could reduce overexposure and deliver more natural background blur without relying solely on computational processing. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo stated back in late 2024 that the main camera in future Pro models would be the first in iPhone history to get this feature. Later in 2025, reports emerged that Apple was discussing components with suppliers and moving forward with implementing the technology.
Particularly intriguing is the rumor about a teleconverter, which is currently said to be "under evaluation." In traditional photography, a teleconverter increases the equivalent focal length and improves zoom quality, reducing the need for digital cropping. If Apple is indeed testing such an optical element, it could significantly enhance mid- to long-distance photography. Meanwhile, the variable aperture could compensate for light loss by widening when the teleconverter is engaged.
At this stage, the iPhone 18 Pro's design is nearly finalized, but Apple typically continues testing individual modules in parallel, especially cameras. The company might drop the feature if it fails reliability checks, optical quality standards, or proves too complex for mass production. It's worth noting that variable aperture was previously rumored for the iPhone 17, but the innovation never materialized.
While Smart Pikachu is considered a fairly reliable source for Android devices, they remain a newcomer in Apple leaks, so this information should be taken with caution. Nevertheless, if these details are confirmed, the iPhone 18 Pro could become Apple's first smartphone to edge even closer to professional optics capabilities than before.