The iPhone 18 Pro's camera has been in the rumor mill recently. Apparently, Apple's variable aperture camera system for the iPhone 18 Pro and the iPhone 18 Pro Max has now reached a new stage in its development. But apparently, there's more.
Apple is evaluating a teleconverter for the iPhone 18 Pro camera
Tipster account "Smart Pikachu" has posted on Weibo that the iPhone 18 Pro's variable aperture camera is now in the engineering samples stage. Meanwhile, the tipster also claims that Apple is evaluating a teleconverter for the phones.
The teleconverter claim is something new, while the variable aperture feature has already appeared in rumors. A teleconverter is usually seen in typical DSLR cameras. This is an optical element that increases the effective focal length.
The teleconverter helps with improving zoom reach at the cost of light intake. With the iPhone 18 Pro, if Apple is indeed thinking of using this element in the camera system, it would improve mid-to-long-range zoom quality. It may also reduce the need for the camera to rely on digital cropping. A variable aperture could help with the light that's being lost by opening wider when required.
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iPhone 17 Pro Max. | Image Credit - PhoneArena
A variable aperture on the iPhone 18 Pro would give users control over how much light reaches the sensor. This would potentially help reduce overexposure and give you new depth-of-field options that are more similar to traditional DSLR cameras.
Back in December 2024, supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claimed that the main camera on the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max would come with a variable aperture. That would mark the first time Apple's done this with iPhones.
This rumor was confirmed by several reports, including one in October of last year, which claimed the Cupertino tech giant was moving ahead with its plans and discussing components with suppliers.
If Apple adds a teleconverter and variable aperture to the iPhone 18 Pro, would that make the camera more exciting for you?
The iPhone 18 Pro's overall design should be set in stone by now
In this stage of the development cycle, Apple has likely finalized what it wants with the iPhone 18 Pro's overall design. Currently, the Cupertino tech giant seems to only evaluate specific features like camera modules, but it's not looking into dramatic changes at this point.
Apple might also be running parallel tests without any commitment to a specific feature for mass production. So, there's still a likelihood that things may change.
Presently, Apple is reportedly using the engineering samples to check if the optical performance and reliability of the camera system are up to its standards. It's also likely checking how easily the new camera system could be mass-produced while keeping the quality standard.
So, it's still possible that Apple decides to scrap features if they result in a drop in quality.
Variable aperture was previously rumored for the iPhone 17 Pro Max, but that obviously didn't happen, so before anything is official, I'd reckon not to get your hopes up as much.
As for the tipster, Smart Pikachu has a good track record when it comes to Android leaks. In the world of Apple rumors, the tipster is a relative newcomer, so for now, it's best to take these rumors with a grain of salt. The tipster has also claimed that Apple's upcoming midranger, the iPhone 17e, may come with a Dynamic Island and an underclocked A19 chip.
I would love some more creative control on iPhone cameras
I, personally, hope that the variable aperture rumor for the iPhone 18 Pro will turn out to be right. Furthermore, I'm all for iPhone cameras becoming more flexible, and I love the idea of having DSLR-like features on an iPhone.
That upgrade, if it ends up being true, would be a huge point of interest to me and may actually seriously make me want to get this phone for myself.
Izzy, a tech enthusiast and a key part of the PhoneArena team, specializes in delivering the latest mobile tech news and finding the best tech deals. Her interests extend to cybersecurity, phone design innovations, and camera capabilities. Outside her professional life, Izzy, a literature master's degree holder, enjoys reading, painting, and learning languages. She's also a personal growth advocate, believing in the power of experience and gratitude. Whether it's walking her Chihuahua or singing her heart out, Izzy embraces life with passion and curiosity.
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