iPhone 18 Pro Max Gets Exclusive Variable Aperture Camera — Smaller Pro Misses Out

Apple is reportedly planning to introduce a variable aperture camera for the first time in an iPhone, but the feature may be exclusive to the most expensive model. According to a leak from Chinese tipster Ice Universe, the variable aperture will be available only on the iPhone 18 Pro Max, while the smaller iPhone 18 Pro will not get it.

The claim contradicts earlier rumors that suggested the feature would come to both Pro models. Since 2024, there have been reports about Apple's plans to implement a variable aperture lens on the iPhone 18 Pro series, and it was widely believed that both the Pro and Pro Max would benefit from the upgrade. However, Ice Universe, posting on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, now says that is not the case.

"Looks like even Apple can't escape the reality that if you want the absolute best camera experience, you'll have to put up with a phone that weighs like a brick," the leaker added, hinting that the larger Pro Max model may be heavier due to the additional hardware.

The variable aperture feature for the iPhone 18 Pro Max is also supported by other leaks. In June, internal documents from Apple supplier Tata Electronics were leaked, revealing plans for a new Sony IMX905 sensor with variable aperture support specifically for the iPhone 18 Pro Max. The documents did not mention the feature for the smaller Pro model.

A variable aperture lens allows the camera to automatically adjust the amount of light entering the sensor, improving photo quality in various lighting conditions and giving users more control over depth of field. If the rumors are accurate, this would be a first for any iPhone, potentially giving the Pro Max a significant advantage in photography over the standard Pro model.

Apple has historically differentiated its Pro and Pro Max models through camera features. For example, the iPhone 15 Pro Max introduced a tetraprism telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, which was not available on the iPhone 15 Pro. The iPhone 16 Pro series later brought the tetraprism lens to both Pro models, but the variable aperture could once again create a gap between the two.

The iPhone 18 Pro series is expected to launch in September 2026, so the plans could still change. Apple has not commented on the rumors.