New details about the cameras of the future iPhone 18 Pro have emerged. According to supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the cost of the new camera component could be approximately 50% higher than Apple’s current solutions.
The main reason is the transition to variable aperture technology, which has long been discussed in leaks and analyst forecasts.
What will change in the iPhone 18 Pro camera
The new system will allow mechanically changing the lens aperture size. This means that the camera will be able to flexibly regulate the amount of light falling on the matrix.
Currently, models at the level of the iPhone 14 Pro and, as expected, up to the iPhone 17 Pro use a fixed aperture of f / 1.78.
Why is this important for photos and videos
Variable aperture will give several advantages at once:
- more accurate exposure in difficult lighting
- improved control of depth of field
- more flexibility for portrait and artistic shooting
- advanced manual image adjustment capabilities
In essence, the smartphone will approach the capabilities of professional cameras in terms of optics control.
The camera will become more expensive – and more technologically advanced
According to estimates, the new module is significantly more expensive than the current seven-layer plastic lens of the main camera. This may affect the cost of future flagships, including the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
What else is Apple planning
A possible update to the ultra-wide-angle module is separately reported: by 2028, it may switch to the COB architecture instead of the current flip-chip technology. This could either reduce the size of the camera unit or improve the quality of shooting without increasing the dimensions of the device.
When to expect the new product
The iPhone 18 Pro line is expected to be presented in the fall, traditionally along with other Apple products. According to rumors, the first foldable iPhone, one of the company’s most anticipated devices in recent years, may debut at the same presentation.
