iPhone 18 Pro Rumored to Be More Like DSLR Camera With This Upgrade

[MacRumors]

While the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are still nearly two years away from launching, a new feature has already been rumored for the devices.

In a blog post today, Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reiterated that the main rear camera on both iPhone 18 Pro models will offer variable aperture, which would be a first for the iPhone. The main camera refers to the 48-megapixel Fusion camera, which was also known as the Main or Wide camera on older iPhone models.

With variable aperture, users would be able to control the amount of light that passes through the camera's lens and reaches the sensor. The main camera on iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro models have a fixed aperture of ƒ/1.78, and the lens is always fully open and shooting with this widest aperture. With the iPhone 18 Pro models, users would be able to manually change the aperture, according to this rumor.

Variable aperture is typically a capability seen on professional DSLR/mirrorless cameras from the likes of Sony and Canon.

Kuo first made this claim last month. Today, he added that Dutch manufacturer BE Semiconductor will supply assembly equipment for the aperture blades, which is the mechanical part that would control how much light passes through the lens.

A variable aperture on iPhone 18 Pro models should provide users with greater control over depth of field, which refers to how sharp a subject appears in the foreground compared to the background. However, given that smartphones have smaller image sensors due to physical size restraints, it is unclear exactly how meaningful this improvement would be.

This rumor will likely evolve over time. Kuo did not say if iPhone 18 Pro models will be getting a larger sensor, but such an upgrade would pave the way for meaningful improvements to depth of field. Apple already offers Portrait mode, which artificially makes the background look more blurry behind a person or other subject in a photo. A larger image sensor would enable that "bokeh" effect more naturally on iPhone 18 Pro models.

Variable aperture was previously rumored for at least one iPhone 17 model, but Kuo believes the feature is slated for iPhone 18 Pro models instead.

iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to launch in September 2026.

Article Link: iPhone 18 Pro Rumored to Be More Like DSLR Camera With This Upgrade

 

[DaveCummings]

I would love to see them create an advanced camera system that would require just one lens, instead of the multiple. I know this would prevent spatial videos, but honestly how many people are actually using it?

 

[Pezimak]

Why do people keep saying this? No phone will ever match a DSLR until they get sensors the same size as a DLSR and lenses to match, no AI or algorithm IMO match the real thing.

Also as above, a DSLR only uses 1 lens on its body at a time.

 

[jz0309]

Interesting, guess my 13PM will have to last another 2 years
But even a 18PM will never replace my DSLR …

 

[L92]

Yay, now we can simulate a ******** phone camera if we close down the aperture. Just what I wanted.

 

[smithrh]

SLR means Single Lens Reflex and this is not that, nor will it ever be.

SLR has a (large) mirror that rotates move the light from an optical viewfinder to expose film or sensor (and back).

DSLR just means Digital SLR.

Addition of a variable aperture is a welcome addition, but that's not what makes a camera an SLR or DSLR.

 

[TonyC28]

Why do people keep saying this? No phone will ever match a DSLR until they get sensors the same size as a DLSR and lenses to match, no AI or algorithm IMO match the real thing.

Also as above, a DSLR only uses 1 lens.

Who said it will match? The headline says the iPhone camera would be more like a DSLR, nothing about matching it.

 

[CharlesShaw]

Since cameras have apparently become the driving force in smartphone innovation, perhaps it's time for a camera maker (Sony?) to incorporate a smart phone into one of their mirrorless cameras. Everyone is already accustomed to carrying a large heavy phone anyhow, right?

 

[L92]

I would love to see them create an advanced camera system that would require just one lens, instead of the multiple. I know this would prevent spatial videos, but honestly how many people are actually using it?

It would be more delicate with a lot of moving parts. And for sure you couldn't get 13mm ekv and a 120mm ekv lens either way. And it would look something like this: link

 

[Pezimak]

Who said it will match? The headline says the iPhone camera would be more like a DSLR, nothing about matching it.

It will be nothing like a DSLR. Copying one feature from a DSLR for a sensor the size of a pin head is NOT making the camera more like a DSLR with mirror system and a sensor the size of a postage stamp.

EDIT: to the people who disagree with this, care to explain exactly why the iPhone will be like a Digital SLR camera with this feature?

 

[Lord Solo]

More bokeh comes from a more open aperture. Closing the aperture will not increase the bokeh effect, it will decrease it. This will only be useful in very bright light situations. That’s really it. Not sure what value it adds unless the sensor gets physically much bigger.

 

[Lord Solo]

Yay, now we can simulate a ******** phone camera if we close down the aperture. Just what I wanted.

Exactly. Not sure what the value would be for a smaller aperture.

 

[toke lahti]

How about "electronic aperture"?

Same way that video camera's have "variable ND", no moving parts, cheaper, smaller and maybe last longer?

 

[Rychiar]

Why do people keep saying this? No phone will ever match a DSLR until they get sensors the same size as a DLSR and lenses to match, no AI or algorithm IMO match the real thing.

Also as above, a DSLR only uses 1 lens.

as a photographer I've watched this evolve and its gotten to the point where your average person just doesn't care. The photos I used to wow people with years ago can now be taken with portrait mode as long as the subject is still and well lit. Not saying the quality is anywhere near what you'd get from a mirrorless or DSLR but that quality mainly translates to large prints, which few people make. most people just view photos on their phones anymore. Sad but true

 

[oneMadRssn]

I feel like we're coming around full circle to having a point-and-shoot cameras, except this time they happen to also make phone calls and text message.

 

[toke lahti]

Exactly. Not sure what the value would be for a smaller aperture.

Camera people knows: smaller aperture allows longer exposure without ND filters.

 

[oneMadRssn]

Why do people keep saying this? No phone will ever match a DSLR until they get sensors the same size as a DLSR and lenses to match, no AI or algorithm IMO match the real thing.

Also as above, a DSLR only uses 1 lens.

I have never met a serious DSLR user with one 1 lens. I feel like you're not really in the club until you've taken out a second mortgage to buy another set of lenses.

 

[Kulfon]

While the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are still nearly two years away from launching, a new feature has already been rumored for the devices.

In a blog post today, Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reiterated that the main rear camera on both iPhone 18 Pro models will offer variable aperture, which would be a first for the iPhone. The main camera refers to the 48-megapixel Fusion camera, which was also known as the Main or Wide camera on older iPhone models.

With variable aperture, users would be able to control the amount of light that passes through the camera's lens and reaches the sensor. The main camera on iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro models have a fixed aperture of ƒ/1.78, and the lens is always fully open and shooting with this widest aperture. With the iPhone 18 Pro models, users would be able to manually change the aperture, according to this rumor.

Variable aperture is typically a capability seen on professional DSLR/mirrorless cameras from the likes of Sony and Canon.

Kuo first made this claim last month. Today, he added that Dutch manufacturer BE Semiconductor will supply assembly equipment for the aperture blades, which is the mechanical part that would control how much light passes through the lens.

A variable aperture on iPhone 18 Pro models should provide users with greater control over depth of field, which refers to how sharp a subject appears in the foreground compared to the background. However, given that smartphones have smaller image sensors due to physical size restraints, it is unclear exactly how meaningful this improvement would be.

This rumor will likely evolve over time. Kuo did not say if iPhone 18 Pro models will be getting a larger sensor, but such an upgrade would pave the way for meaningful improvements to depth of field. Apple already offers Portrait mode, which artificially makes the background look more blurry behind a person or other subject in a photo. A larger image sensor would enable that "bokeh" effect more naturally on iPhone 18 Pro models.

Variable aperture was previously rumored for at least one iPhone 17 model, but Kuo believes the feature is slated for iPhone 18 Pro models instead.

iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to launch in September 2026.

Article Link: iPhone 18 Pro Rumored to Be More Like DSLR Camera With This Upgrade

DSLRs do not exist anymore, almost. The world moved mirrorless And…iPhone will never be like a pro camera for a very simple reason: sensor size and lenses

 

[Pezimak]

as a photographer I've watched this evolve and its gotten to the point where your average person just doesn't care. The photos I used to wow people with years ago can now be taken with portrait mode as long as the subject is still and well lit. Not saying the quality is anywhere near what you'd get from a mirrorless or DSLR but that quality mainly translates to large prints, which few people make. most people just view photos on their phones anymore. Sad but true

I agree with that, not knocking the quality phone cameras are and the photos they take, my issue is with the article claiming it's more like a DSLR which of course it isn't.

 

[Pezimak]

I have never met a serious DSLR user with one 1 lens. I feel like you're not really in the club until you've taken out a second mortgage to buy another set of lenses.

You mis interpreted what I said, I meant as in one sensor and one lens on the camera body, you don't have a SLR with 3 or four sensors and lenses on it at once do you.

I edited my post to make it a bit more clear as I can understand why you misinterpreted my post.

 

[Mike_Trivisonno]

Just give me an iPhone with no camera bump and a real battery.

 

[haruhiko]

lol still DSLR?
It’s the world of mirrorless cameras now. Better update your terminology MacRumors

 

[axantas]

The main advantage would be the increased depth of field. The main disadvantage would be the reduced of light on these tiny sensors.

So, now the camera is "calculating" a desired depth of field by mixing different pictures. With the variable aperture, it would "calculate" the brightness, if there is not enough light.

There are compromises, that will have to be made. But - the idea itself is not bad at all. No one stops you from not closing the aperture and using it like before.

But the compromise, I would like to see is the eliminated camera bump...

 

[9081094]

Reading this article it seems that this feature is a smartphone first and Apple is introducing it. But variable aperture is standard use in the ones of Huawei, xiaomi, Samsung.

Nice to get it on the iPhone too albeit a bit late 🤭

 

[Pezimak]

What is wish for is one sensor of a bigger size, and a periscope zoom lens built into the phone body. So you have a physical zoom and a better single sensor. With OIS too. But these days smart phone cameras are the point and shoot option as generally they work alright in that regard.