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 has been reported to introduce variable aperture technology to the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max on a few occasions, and is working with various suppliers for the necessary parts. The Cupertino firm brought a telephoto zoom lens for the first time when it launched the iPhone 15 Pro Max and has slowly been adopting exclusive upgrades for its top-tier models. Fortunately, a new rumor claims that in addition to variable aperture technology, the 48MP telephoto unit will be treated to a larger aperture.
Base iPhone 18 will be delayed to 2027, likely to make way for Apple’s first foldable iPhone
Returning after his prediction that the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will feature the same display sizes as the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, along with a slightly transparent glass back, Digital Chat Station now has information surrounding next year’s flagship’s cameras. Both top-end models will supposedly feature a larger aperture for the 48MP telephoto sensor.
While the technical details are unavailable at this time, we must assume that iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will have at least an F/2.0 aperture, since the telephoto cameras on the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are equipped with an F/2.2 aperture. For those who do not know, the smaller the aforementioned number, the wider the aperture, which will ultimately allow more light to pass through.
This improvement will make Apple’s 2026 flagship iPhones produce superior image quality in low-light environments. On top of that, the variable aperture will likely be added to the primary sensor, with users manually adjusting the values based on the surrounding light to produce crisp images and videos. As for the launch schedule, the iPhone 18 is not expected to be part of Apple’s September family, with the company previously reported to phase out the base model in favor of a foldable flagship.
However, the tipster has clarified that this handset will launch in early 2027 and is expected to be announced alongside the iPhone 18e. There is also the possibility that Apple does not refer to the base model as the iPhone 18, but the iPhone 20 instead, as a previous report mentioned a prediction made by an Omdia senior researcher that Apple will skip the iPhone 19 naming scheme. For early 2026, the Cupertino giant is reportedly preparing the iPhone 17e, and we will continue to keep tabs and check what the company’s launch plans are for the fourth quarter next year.
News Source: Digital Chat Station
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