Leaks have emerged from rumors suggesting that Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 Pro could include a variable aperture feature, similar to what Samsung offered on its Galaxy S9 and S10 models.
This incredible camera feature, although borrowed, allows iPhone users to switch between F1.5 and F2.4 apertures to provide greater control over light input and depth of field, a capability that is primarily limited to digital cameras.
While it was an unparalleled innovation at the time, it disappeared after the debut of the Galaxy S10, but current reports speculate its revival by Samsung and, perhaps in imitation, Apple.
What is Samsung variable aperture?
The aperture is also called the mechanical “pupil” of a camera, as it regulates the amount of light that reaches the sensor. That said, a wider aperture (F1.5) allows in more light and creates a beautifully blurred background, while a narrower aperture (F2.4) sharpens the background, ideal for well-lit environments.
Although computational photography has made immense advances and now provides delightful results through software at a minimum, the artistic control offered by a variable aperture remains a highly sought-after property among photographers who want to take stunning portraits and landscapes.
The future of mobile photography
Recent advances in smartphone camera technology, including the introduction of 1-inch sensors, have made it easier to achieve some natural blur effects. For example, the upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to feature a 200MP sensor, while the iPhone 18 Pro may have a 48MP sensor measuring 1/1.28 inches. This progression could unlock the intense scope of creative photography.
If Apple opts for a variable aperture, it would allow photographers to be more efficient in expressing their intentions.
Unlike Samsung, which provides manual control in its Pro Mode, Apple has a habit of relying on automatic settings. Therefore, a variable aperture on the iPhone 18 Pro would not only improve photography capabilities but also align with Apple’s focus on perfecting existing technologies.
