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The company has always kept camera upgrades as the main priority with each new version of iPhones. Leaks show that following generations might be even more exhilarating. Apparently, the iPhone 17 series will have a 48MP telephoto lens on the Pro models and a 24MP front camera throughout the line, but potentially camera technology may be much more extensively improved in the next generation: the iPhone 18 series.
Apple, according to renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, might make the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max significantly different from its previous models by adding a **variable aperture** to the main camera. Kuo, who has made numerous predictions about Apple that turned out to be correct, has recently posted this information on Medium, although he does not mention the names of the devices. “High-end” models, according to the assumption, means the iPhone 18 Pro Max, and possibly the iPhone 18 Pro as well.
What is an Aperture Variable?
The aperture is the camera lens opening that determines how much light enters the sensor. Most smartphone cameras set this aperture to be non-adjustable, so it stands at one value. It is then through a **variable aperture** where the size of the lens opening varies with the lighting conditions for photography flexibility.
Practically, this would mean users can adjust the aperture for different benefits, including the following:
– Better Low-Light Performance: A wider aperture brings more light into the sensor and is very beneficial when the situation calls for low light or nighttime photography. The iPhone will then better handle the precarious lighting conditions by producing brighter and more detailed images with less noise.
Improved Depth of Field: A variable aperture also allows for more **artistic effects** in terms of **background blur** or bokeh, because one can control the depth of field. So iPhones can already achieve this in software, but an optical change would make it more natural and blurrier without having to blur the pictures afterwards.
Apple Playing Catch-Up?
If true, these rumors would mean that Apple continues in the footsteps of other smartphone manufacturers who already use variable aperture technology. For instance, it’s where Samsung first unveiled the first variable-aperture camera of a Galaxy S9 in 2018, and the Galaxy S10 line does the same thing.
Although Apple’s not typically an early adopter to new features, it often polishes existing technology to deliver a smoother and more user-friendly experience. Maybe so, what would distinguish the variable aperture on an Apple camera is a more refined experience than we’re used to with other competitors’ models before this.
What’s Next for iPhone Photography?
With the iPhone 18 focusing on **camera innovation**, a variable aperture could really unshackle the user experience, offering professional-grade choices about how photos get captured. Such a move can also better cement Apple as a more serious competitor in mobile photography—at least in terms of control provided to users.
But these are early details, and Kuo certainly has a stellar record to tout; as such features have yet to be confirmed. If the rumors pan out, though, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max may usher in a new level of photography that will compete to outdo anything currently to be found on a flagship device from a firm that has set pretty high the bar so far with smartphone camera technology.
