Apple is testing major camera upgrades for iPhone 18 Pro, including variable aperture for better low-light and telephoto lens with wider aperture. Learn about new features.
© A. Krivonosov
Apple is actively testing two major camera upgrades for the iPhone 18 Pro that could transform the mobile photography experience. According to Digital Chat Station, the main camera in the new models will feature a variable aperture. This allows the camera to automatically adjust the amount of light hitting the sensor, which should improve low-light performance, prevent overexposure in bright conditions, and offer greater control over depth of field.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously stated Apple plans to introduce the variable aperture in the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. This represents a significant shift for the company. Until now, all iPhone cameras from the 17 Pro onward have used a fixed f/1.78 aperture. While Samsung employed a similar technology in the Galaxy S9 and S10, it was later abandoned due to increased camera module thickness and cost.
In addition, Apple is testing a new telephoto lens with a wider aperture. The current iPhone 17 Pro models feature a telephoto lens with an f/2.8 aperture and a 48-megapixel sensor for high detail. The new camera is expected to enhance light intake, noise reduction, and the quality of portrait shots with background blur.
Further rumors suggest the possible inclusion of a teleconverter for extended zoom capabilities and a 24-megapixel front-facing camera. The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are likely to launch in the fall, alongside the first foldable iPhone.