Apple has started accelerating its supply chain for a new variable aperture camera system to be included in the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models, which are planned for release this September. According to a report by Korea-based ETNews, this technology will be a first for Apple. From the previous iPhone 14 Pro to the iPhone 17 Pro, the main camera used a fixed ƒ/1.78 aperture. This meant the lens remained fully open at all times when taking an image. Variable aperture, however, allows the camera to control the amount of light reaching the sensor. This enables more light intake in low light while preventing overexposure in bright scenes.
Variable Aperture Technology and Its Benefits
The aperture opens to let in more light in low-light conditions and closes to prevent overexposure in bright scenes. This feature allows users to achieve better results in various shooting environments.
Furthermore, variable aperture technology will offer users more control over depth of field. Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo first mentioned in December 2024 that both iPhone 18 Pro models would feature a variable aperture on the main rear camera. A report from October 2025 stated that Apple was moving forward with plans to bring this technology to next-generation iPhones and was in talks with suppliers regarding components. According to the report published today, industry sources confirm this information.
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The Chinese supplier Sunny Optical has already begun production of the actuators that activate the aperture mechanism. Camera module assembly is expected to start in early summer.
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Apple’s primary camera partner, LG Innotek, is reportedly preparing to begin production around June or July. The company is installing specialized equipment at its Gumi facility in South Korea.
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Other module manufacturers like Cowell are also expected to be involved in this process. Due to the added complexity of the system, LG Innotek is likely to take a larger share of the main camera module production.
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A similar situation occurred when Apple adopted the folded zoom lens in the iPhone 15 Pro Max model. At that time, LG Innotek served as the sole supplier initially.
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models are expected to be announced around September, alongside Apple’s first foldable iPhone. What are your thoughts on this new camera technology?
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