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Apple Testing Variable Aperture Lens, Upgraded Telephoto Camera for iPhone 18 Pro Models, Tipster Claims

Apple Testing Variable Aperture Lens, Upgraded Telephoto Camera for iPhone 18 Pro Models, Tipster Claims

The iPhone 18 Pro models could offer significantly improved image quality, courtesy of the inclusion of a variable aperture camera.

Written by Shaurya Tomer, Edited by Ketan Pratap | Updated: 9 February 2026 12:00 IST

Apple Testing Variable Aperture Lens, Upgraded Telephoto Camera for iPhone 18 Pro Models, Tipster Claims

Apple upgraded the telephoto camera on the iPhone 17 Pro models, without changing the aperture

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Highlights

Apple is testing a variable aperture for the iPhone 18 Pro's main camera
Both Pro models may also gain a telephoto lens with a larger aperture
The upgrades could deliver better exposure control and depth of field

The iPhone 18 series has been rumoured to mark a shift in Apple's product lineup, with the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max expected to launch in September, while the vanilla iPhone 18 debuts in 2027. According to a tipster, the Cupertino-based tech giant is testing two major camera improvements for the next-generation iPhones, including a variable aperture for improved imaging. The iPhone 18 Pro models are also tipped to benefit from an upgraded telephoto camera.

iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max Camera Upgrades

According to a Weibo post by tipster Digital Chat Station (translated from Chinese), Apple is testing a new primary camera for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. The upgraded sensor is tipped to feature a variable aperture. In theory, it would allow the iPhone camera to adjust the amount of light entering the sensor, offering more control over the depth of field and exposure.

If true, it would make the iPhone 18 Pro models the first smartphones from the tech giant to feature this technology.

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Several Android OEMs have already tried their hand at this technology. Samsung introduced a variable aperture for the main camera back in 2018 with the Galaxy S9 series, but dropped it in the subsequent generations due to space constraints and rising costs.

In addition to the variable aperture, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are also tipped to get an upgraded telephoto camera. Both handsets may debut a new telephoto unit with a larger aperture, potentially improving the background separation, light accumulation, and noise suppression.

For comparison, the iPhone 17 Pro models have a 48-megapixel telephoto camera with an f/2.8 aperture. While the tech giant introduced upgraded cameras over the iPhone 16 Pro lineup, it retained the aperture size.

Apple Could Offer Three Key Upgrades With the iPhone 17e

Both of these rumours are in line with previous leaks, which hinted towards notable camera upgrades on the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. In December 2024, industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo opined that the purported handsets could offer significantly improved image quality, courtesy of the inclusion of a variable aperture camera.

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At the time, BE Semiconductor (BESI) was believed to be the supplier of assembly equipment for aperture blades, a critical component of this upgrade.

iPhone 17 Pro Max

REVIEW
KEY SPECS
NEWS

Design
Display
Software
Performance
Battery Life
Camera
Value for Money

Good
The boldest redesign since the iPhone X
Bright and stunning display
A19 Pro under the hood guarantees excellent performance
Massive camera upgrade
Video quality gets a much-needed bump
Centre Stage camera at the front changes selfie game on iPhones forever
Improved charging speed

Bad
Aluminium body picks up scratches
Expensive
Heavier than the 16 Pro Max

Read detailed Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max review

Display 6.90-inch

Processor Apple A19 Pro

Front Camera 18-megapixel

Rear Camera 48-megapixel + 48-megapixel + 48-megapixel

RAM 12GB

Storage 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB

OS iOS 26

Resolution 1320x2868 pixels

More Apple mobiles Apple mobiles price in India

iPhone 17 Pro

KEY SPECS
NEWS

Display 6.30-inch

Processor Apple A19 Pro

Front Camera 18-megapixel

Rear Camera 48-megapixel + 48-megapixel + 48-megapixel

RAM 12GB

Storage 256GB, 512GB, 1TB

OS iOS 26

Resolution 1206x2622 pixels

More Apple mobiles Apple mobiles price in India

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Further reading: iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, iPhone 18 Pro Specifications, iPhone 18 Pro Max Specifications

Shaurya Tomer

Email Shaurya Tomer

Shaurya Tomer is a Sub Editor at Gadgets 360 with 2 years of experience across a diverse spectrum of topics. With a particular focus on smartphones, gadgets and the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), he often likes to explore the industry's intricacies and innovations – whether dissecting the latest smartphone release or exploring the ethical implications of AI advancements. In his free time, he often embarks on impromptu road trips to unwind, recharge, and ...More