Apple seems to be working on major camera upgrades for its upcoming iPhone 18 Pro lineup, expected to launch in September 2026. According to a recent leak, the company could introduce a variable aperture lens for the first time on an iPhone — a feature often found in professional DSLR cameras.
DSLR-Style Camera Controls Coming to iPhone 18 Pro Models
The information comes from popular Weibo tipster Digital Chat Station, who claims that Apple’s 48MP Fusion camera on both the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will feature a variable aperture system. This would mark a major change in how iPhone cameras handle light and focus.
The leak also suggests that the main and telephoto lenses on these models might come with larger apertures, allowing more light to enter the lens. This would result in brighter photos, improved low-light performance, and overall sharper image quality.
What Is a Variable Aperture Lens?
In simple terms, a variable aperture means the lens can physically change the size of its opening. When taking pictures in low light, the lens can open wider to let in more light. In bright daylight, it can narrow down to prevent overexposure.
This setup gives photographers greater control over the depth of field — meaning users can decide how much of the photo stays sharp or blurred. For example, you could make your subject stand out by softly blurring the background, much like you would with a DSLR camera.
How It Differs from Current iPhones
Until now, Apple’s high-end models like the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro have used a fixed ƒ/1.78 aperture on their main cameras. This means the lens stays at the same opening size no matter the lighting conditions.
If Apple introduces a variable aperture on the iPhone 18 Pro, it would allow users to manually control how much light enters the camera — giving photographers more flexibility and creative control.
Earlier Rumors and Predictions
This isn’t the first time we’ve heard about Apple exploring variable aperture technology. In late 2024, well-known Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo had predicted that the iPhone 18 Pro series would include this feature. It was also rumoured to appear on the iPhone 17 lineup, but the feature didn’t make it to production.
A Big Leap for iPhone Photography
If these reports turn out to be true, the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max could represent a major leap in mobile photography. The addition of DSLR-style controls would bring iPhones closer than ever to professional cameras, giving users more power to fine-tune their shots.
While there’s still time before the official launch in September 2026, the possibility of variable aperture lenses and larger camera sensors has already sparked excitement among photography lovers. If Apple delivers on these upgrades, the iPhone 18 Pro lineup could become one of the most advanced smartphone cameras the company has ever made.