SUMMARY

Rumors suggest the upcoming iPhone 18 might feature a variable aperture lens for its primary camera, a move that would be a first for Apple's smartphones. While this hardware is common in traditional cameras, its utility on a phone with a small sensor is questioned, as phones already achieve shallow depth of field effects through software. Such a lens could also significantly increase the iPhone's price, potentially making it a costly upgrade with minimal real-world image quality or usability improvements.

TAKEAWAYS

iPhone 18 rumored to adopt a variable aperture lens.

This feature is a first for iPhones but common in Android phones.

The upgrade may increase the phone's cost with questionable practical benefits.

Variable aperture is less critical on small smartphone sensors compared to large-sensor cameras.

RELATED COVERAGE

LensDigest archive

Browse by date

Every published day shows its story count. Select a date to open that edition.

Archive calendar

Loading available editions…