Samsung is reportedly planning to reintroduce variable aperture camera technology, which it previously abandoned, into its smartphones. This move is said to be a response to Apple’s plan to bring the same feature to its high-end models. According to leaked information, Samsung may use this technology for the first time in the Galaxy S27 Ultra model, which is expected to be released in 2027.

Galaxy S27 Ultra will stand out with its camera

The South Korean tech giant first used variable aperture technology in the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ models. This feature allowed the camera to mechanically switch between f/1.5 and f/2.4 aperture settings; thus, capturing more light in low light and producing sharper and more balanced photos in bright environments. However, Samsung abandoned this technology with the Galaxy S20 series, arguing that it didn’t make a significant difference.

The reason Samsung is considering bringing this technology back is Apple’s strategy. Apple is generally known for adopting innovations that its competitors have been using for years.

For example, Samsung first used the periscope camera system, long used in Android phones, in the iPhone 15 Pro Max with its tetraprism lens offering lossless zoom up to five times. Now, numerous reports indicate that variable aperture technology will be a feature exclusive to the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models, expected to be introduced in 2026.

According to information shared by Digital Chat Station, a reliable source on Weibo, Samsung is conducting tests on variable aperture to respond to the innovations that the iPhone 18 will bring.

It is also reported that the company is testing a wider foldable screen form factor, which Apple is rumored to use in its foldable iPhone model. Previously, it was claimed that the Galaxy S26 Ultra would come with a variable aperture camera, but recent developments suggest that this expectation will not be realized.