Key Points:
• Apple’s latest report indicates that the iPhone 18 Pro will feature a variable aperture lens, allowing for more control over the depth of field (DoF) in photos.
• The new feature will be powered by BESI, the supplier of assembly equipment for aperture blades, and will provide a more natural and effective way to control the DoF.
• The iPhone 17 or iPhone 18 will reportedly include a notable camera upgrade, with The Information suggesting it will debut in the iPhone 17, but Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo sticking to his earlier prediction that it will launch in the iPhone 18.
As a tech journalist, I am excited to share the latest updates on Apple’s camera upgrades. Sources within the industry are now doubting whether the variable aperture lens will debut in the iPhone 17 or iPhone 18. Ming-Chi Kuo, a renowned Apple analyst, initially predicted the feature would be available in the iPhone 18, but a report from The Information suggested it would arrive in the iPhone 17. However, Kuo has now "doubled down" on his earlier prediction, stating that the iPhone 18 Pro will feature a variable aperture lens.
For those unfamiliar, a variable aperture lens allows for more control over the depth of field (DoF) in a photo. This means you can have a shallow DoF, isolating the subject from the background, a medium DoF, or a deep DoF, where everything in the frame is in focus. While Apple’s Portrait mode is remarkable, a variable aperture lens offers an optical solution, providing even better results.
The catch, as reported in 9to5Mac, is that the sensor size plays a critical role in this new feature. Apple would need to use a larger sensor to deliver meaningful benefits from the mechanical aperture control. While there have been suggestions that the iPhone 18 may feature a larger sensor, these reports remain vague.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the exact timeline, it is clear that Apple is committed to improving its camera capabilities. With the likes of BESI securing a contract to supply assembly equipment for the aperture blades, it seems that the iPhone 18 Pro will indeed feature this innovative technology. As we await the official release of this new feature, iPhone enthusiasts can look forward to even more creative control over their photography experience.
In the meantime, if you’re an iPhone user, consider experimenting with the depth of field using the 5x telephoto lens on your iPhone 15 Pro Max or iPhone 16 Pro. By getting up close to your subject, you can already achieve a relatively shallow DoF. With the variable aperture lens, you’ll have even more flexibility to adjust the DoF, providing a more professional-looking result.
Stay tuned for more updates on Apple’s latest camera upgrades and what it means for the future of mobile photography.
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