Apple May Add Variable Aperture to iPhone 18 Pro as $1,099 Price Risks Rising Again
Updated
Updated · PhoneArena · Jun 6
Apple May Add Variable Aperture to iPhone 18 Pro as $1,099 Price Risks Rising Again
3 articles · Updated · PhoneArena · Jun 6
Summary
Rumors point to Apple adding variable-aperture cameras to the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, a move the analyst argues could push prices above the current $1,099 starting point.
Small smartphone sensors already keep much of a scene in focus, making aperture shifts from f/1.8 to f/2.8 or f/4.0 less meaningful than on larger dedicated cameras.
The feature could still help video capture by controlling light at fixed shutter speeds and improving edge sharpness, but the report says that benefit is too narrow for most buyers.
Apple's caution comes after the iPhone 17 Pro absorbed a $100 price increase and still sold well, with U.S. smartphone sales up 1.3% for Apple even as the broader market fell nearly 6% in Q1 2026.