Apple Advances Variable Aperture for iPhone 18 Pro

Apple is advancing production of a variable aperture camera system for its upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, marking a significant upgrade to the device's photography capabilities, according to supply chain reports. The smartphones are slated for release in September 2026.

The new technology allows the camera lens to physically adjust its aperture, controlling the amount of light entering the sensor. This contrasts with the fixed f/1.78 aperture used in current models from the iPhone 14 Pro through the iPhone 17 Pro, which limits adaptability to varying lighting conditions. Industry sources indicate that actuators, the mechanical components enabling this adjustment, have entered manufacturing. Chinese supplier Sunny Optical has begun producing these parts, while Luxshare ICT is also involved in actuator development. Camera module assembly is set to start in June or July, led by longtime partner LG Innotek at its facility in Gumi, South Korea. The company has installed specialized equipment for the process, and supplier Cowell will contribute similarly. Due to the system's complexity, LG Innotek's share of the main camera module production is expected to grow,...