Apple Begins Production of Variable Aperture Camera for iPhone 18 Pro

24 articles · Updated · MacRumors · Apr 22

Apple has started production of variable aperture camera components for the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models.
Chinese supplier Sunny Optical is manufacturing key actuators, with LG Innotek preparing to assemble the full camera modules by June or July.
This marks Apple’s first use of mechanical aperture control in iPhones, promising enhanced depth-of-field and low-light performance for advanced smartphone photography.

Can the iPhone's new camera truly eliminate the need for external filters for serious mobile videographers?

Why is Apple reviving mechanical camera tech when software-based photography has become so powerful?

How can Apple pack the iPhone 18 Pro with so many upgrades without increasing its launch price?

How will Apple fit a mechanical camera and a larger battery without making the new iPhone noticeably bulkier?

Will the rumored A20 chip and 5G modem be bigger game-changers than the new camera system?

Will the new mechanical camera be durable for daily use or become a common and expensive point of failure?