New information has emerged regarding the camera capabilities of Apple’s planned 2026 iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models. While the iPhone 17 series has just been released, the tech giant is making significant camera hardware upgrades for the next Pro series. Leaks suggest Apple is not only adding a variable aperture system but also planning changes to the telephoto sensor.

The iPhone 18 Pro will attract attention with its camera

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will feature a wider-aperture 48MP telephoto sensor. This elevates the periscope-based telephoto process introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Apple is reducing the aperture from F/2.2 to F/2.0 in the new telephoto system.

This reduction will allow the sensor to capture more light. This will result in sharper and brighter images, especially at night and in low-light environments.

Another significant camera innovation for the Pro models will be a variable aperture system, planned for the main sensor. Variable aperture will allow users to control exposure and optimize depth of field by dynamically adjusting the aperture based on lighting conditions. Users will also have the option to manually adjust these settings.

In addition to these two significant camera upgrades, other information regarding the future plans for the iPhone series has been shared. The iPhone 18 is rumored to have been delayed until early 2027. This gap could make room for Apple’s first foldable iPhone.