Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 Pro Max is rumored to deliver a major leap in smartphone photography, thanks to the introduction of a variable aperture camera system. According to popular Weibo-based tipster Digital Chat Station, which cites “supply chain information,” Apple is making significant optical upgrades to the Pro lineup, particularly in the main and telephoto lenses. The iPhone 18 Pro Max is said to incorporate variable aperture materials, marking a shift from the fixed aperture systems traditionally used in iPhones.
This means users could soon benefit from real optical control over how much light enters the camera sensor, something previously limited by the compact design of smartphone cameras. A variable aperture can improve performance in various lighting conditions and enable natural depth-of-field effects without relying on computational portrait modes.
Additionally, the 48MP telephoto lens, featuring Apple’s periscope zoom technology, is also expected to receive a larger aperture. This would allow more light to reach the sensor, enhancing image clarity and low-light performance, two areas where Apple continues to compete fiercely with rivals like Samsung and Google.
This development isn’t entirely new to the rumor mill. Reports from mid-2024 suggested the iPhone 17 Pro might debut this feature, but it now appears Apple is saving it for the iPhone 18 series. Notably, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo also backed the claim that Apple is working on a variable aperture system for future iPhones.
If these reports hold true, the iPhone 18 Pro Max could represent one of the most significant camera advancements in Apple’s history, offering photographers and everyday users alike greater creative control and superior image quality straight from the camera.