Apple Testing Variable Aperture and Large-Aperture Telephoto Cameras for iPhone 18 Pro [Rumor]

Apple is actively testing new camera hardware for its next-generation iPhone, with fresh supply chain reports pointing to a significant upgrade in how the device handles light. Engineers are reportedly evaluating a variable aperture mechanism for the main wide-angle lens; as well as, a new large-aperture telephoto module.



The latest details come from leaker Digital Chat Station on Weibo. The post claims Apple is testing a specific configuration that combines a variable aperture on the primary camera with a high-performance telephoto lens. The leaker frames this within a broader industry push on imaging, noting that rivals in the Android and HarmonyOS camps are simultaneously working on "super enhanced" square front sensors in an effort to outperform the iPhone's image quality.


Moving to a variable aperture would mark a distinct shift from the fixed-lens design Apple has relied on for years. Instead of leaning entirely on software to simulate depth of field for features like Portrait Mode, a mechanical iris allows the system to physically control the size of the opening. This gives the sensor direct control over light intake, resulting in natural background blur and sharper performance in shifting lighting conditions without requiring as much computational heavy lifting.

This aligns with information that surfaced late last month, which indicated Apple had officially begun sampling variable aperture components for the iPhone 18 series. While early rumors were split on whether the technology would debut on the main lens or the periscope telephoto found on the Max model, this latest leak suggests Apple is evaluating multiple camera paths to keep the iPhone's imaging system competitive.

These optical changes are expected to arrive with the 2026 release cycle. The iPhone 18 Pro lineup is shaping up to be a major internal refresh, likely powered by the 2-nanometer A20 chip. That silicon will be necessary to drive these advanced imaging features, alongside other rumored upgrades like 12GB of RAM and the transition to Apple's in-house C2 modem.

Please download the iClarified app or follow iClarified on X, Facebook, YouTube, and RSS for more updates.