The evidence is mounting: iPhone 18 Pro leaks continue to hint at Apple's big camera shift

Forget software tricks and AI blur. New leaks suggest the iPhone 18 Pro is moving toward "real" camera hardware.

Apple is reportedly testing ways to make the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro more attractive to buyers. A new leak supports earlier rumors, indicating that Apple’s 2026 flagship could feature major camera upgrades.

Leak: Variable Aperture May Be Coming to iPhone 18 Pro

Tipster Digital Chat Station shared a new leak on Weibo, claiming that Apple is currently testing a new main camera for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max.

According to the leaker, this new camera may feature a variable aperture — a significant hardware upgrade.

This claim adds to earlier reports. In December 2024, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo first suggested that Apple was working on bringing variable aperture to the iPhone 18 Pro models.

Later, in October 2025, another report confirmed that Apple was moving forward with the feature and discussing camera components with its suppliers.

Telephoto Camera Upgrade Also in Testing

The same tipster also claims Apple is testing a new telephoto camera for the iPhone 18 Pro with a larger aperture.

The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max currently feature a telephoto camera with an ƒ/2.8 aperture and a 48 MP sensor — an upgrade from the 12 MP sensor used in the iPhone 16 Pro models. However, the aperture itself remained unchanged.

With the iPhone 18 Pro, Apple may finally improve this aspect.

What Variable Aperture Means

A variable aperture allows the camera to adjust how much light enters the sensor depending on lighting conditions.

In low-light environments, the aperture can open wider to allow more light in. In bright conditions, it can close to prevent overexposure.

This feature also gives users more control over depth of field — meaning how blurred the background appears compared to the subject.

Variable aperture is common in professional cameras like DSLR and mirrorless models but is rarely seen in smartphones.

Apple has never offered variable aperture on iPhones before. Current iPhone Pro models use a fixed ƒ/1.78 aperture.

Samsung’s History with Variable Aperture

Samsung, Apple’s main competitor, is also rumored to bring variable aperture to the Galaxy S26 Ultra.

However, Samsung has implemented this feature before. The Galaxy S9 introduced variable aperture in 2018, and it was also available in the Galaxy S10 series in 2019.

Samsung discontinued the feature in 2020 because it increased device thickness and cost.

More Camera Rumors for iPhone 18 Pro

A larger fixed aperture on the telephoto camera would improve light gathering, reduce image noise, and potentially allow faster shutter speeds.

Previous rumors also suggest that the iPhone 18 Pro models may include a teleconverter to increase focal length and improve zoom capabilities.

The phones are also expected to feature a 24 MP selfie camera.

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are rumored to be unveiled in the fall, alongside Apple’s first foldable iPhone.

Could 2026 Be the Year of Smartphone Photography?

Both the iPhone 18 Pro and Galaxy S26 Ultra are rumored to include variable aperture, potentially marking a major step forward in mobile photography.

If Apple does introduce this feature, the iPhone 18 Pro could become one of the strongest contenders for the best camera phone of 2026.

For many users, including photography enthusiasts, this upgrade alone might be reason enough to consider upgrading.