0-20%: Unlikely – Lacks credible sources
21-40%: Questionable – Some concerns remain
41-60%: Plausible – Reasonable evidence
61-80%: Probable – Strong evidence
81-100%: Highly Likely – Multiple reliable sources
Apple is slowly bringing exclusive upgrades to the iPhone camera, starting with the tetraprism telephoto zoom lens that debuted on the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Now, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max could potentially be the company’s first to ship with variable aperture cameras, with the Cupertino firm moving to the next phase as this entire optics system has reportedly entered mass production. The technology was first introduced by Samsung but was sadly scrapped. Thankfully, Apple has realized how versatile it can be.
Apple’s supply chain is already working around the clock to mass produce multiple components of the variable aperture, including the actuators
The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max feature a fixed F/1.78 aperture, meaning that users have little control in adjusting these values if they want to capture a more customized shot depending on the surrounding light. According to ETNews, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will provide more flexibility in this regard, with Chinese manufacturer Sunny Optical already producing actuators to enable the aperture and switch its values.
The camera module assembly is expected shortly after, with LG Innotek reportedly commencing production in June or July, with the company having installed the necessary paraphernalia at its Gumi plant located in South Korea. Cowell is also involved in Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max supply chain, and will have a similar responsibility as LG Innotek.
The report mentions that due to the complexity of the manufacturing process, LG Innotek’s camera supply market share is expected to increase. The supplier is Apple’s biggest in the optics category and has dove into extensive R&D to ensure the California-based titan has access to the latest and greatest camera technology.
Unfortunately, we don’t know the specifications of the variable aperture that’s slated to arrive to the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Remember, Samsung introduced two variable aperture stops for the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+, but there’s no telling how far Apple will go in this particular aspect.
News Source: ETNews
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech’s mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
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