Apple's upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to feature a variable-aperture camera, a first for Apple's smartphone lineup. An aperture is the opening inside a camera lens that lets in light, similar to pupils of eyes. Current iPhone cameras have a fixed aperture, relying on software processing to adjust exposure.

The variable-aperture camera would give mechanical control over light entry. The biggest improvement would be smoother-looking video outdoors. In bright sunlight, current iPhones capture frames quickly to avoid overexposure, making movement look unnaturally sharp. The iPhone 18 Pro's smaller aperture would limit light, preventing washed-out highlights and allowing natural motion blur. Photos in good lighting could appear sharper, especially at edges, and Portrait Mode bokeh should look more realistic.

It's unclear whether users will control the aperture manually or if the iPhone adjusts it automatically. This determines if it becomes a hands-on photography tool or a behind-the-scenes enhancement. Apple is expected to debut the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in September, alongside its first foldable iPhone.