Is Apple about to debut a new iPhone camera feature?

Fast Company Tech

by Sam Byford

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max may feature a new camera system with a variable aperture, a move that has been attempted by other smartphone manufacturers but often abandoned due to limited practical benefits. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported this week that while the devices will only represent minor hardware upgrades compared to last year’s models, the variable aperture could be a key selling point. This feature allows the lens to adjust its opening size (expressed in f-stops) to control light intake and depth of field, offering more creative control for photographers. Variable aperture has been tried before by companies like Nokia, Samsung, and Huawei, but it hasn’t lived up to its hype. For example, Samsung’s Galaxy S9 introduced a variable aperture in 2018, but the feature was deemed unnecessary due to minimal differences between settings. Similarly, Huawei’s Mate 50 Pro offered a range of apertures, but users rarely saw significant improvements in image quality. The complexity and space requirements of variable aperture lenses also led Xiaomi to abandon the design in their newer flagships. Despite these challenges, Apple may be revisiting the concept with its own innovative twist. The company is known for refining existing technologies into user-friendly, high-quality features. If successful, this could position the iPhone 18 Pro as a standout option for enthusiasts seeking precise control over their photos. While variable aperture on smartphones has historically been more of a gimmick, Apple’s implementation might finally prove its worth, particularly for food photography where depth of field is crucial. For design and tech enthusiasts

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Originally published on Fast Company Tech on 2/25/2026