Samsung Planning to Follow iPhone 18 Pro's Variable Aperture Camera
Source: MacRumors
Overview
Samsung is reportedly planning to follow Apple by adding a variable aperture to its smartphone cameras, according to Korea’s ET News.
Variable Aperture Explained
A variable aperture allows the camera to adjust the amount of light that reaches the sensor:
- Low‑light environments: The aperture can be opened wider to let in more light.
- Bright environments: The aperture can be closed to prevent over‑exposure.
This technology also gives users greater control over depth of field, affecting how sharply a subject appears relative to the background.
iPhone 18 Pro Variable Aperture
- Models: iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are widely expected to feature an upgraded main camera with a variable aperture.
- Timeline: In December 2024, Apple supply‑chain analyst Ming‑Chi Kuo first reported that the main rear camera on both iPhone 18 Pro models would offer a variable aperture. A later report from October 2025 indicated that Apple was moving ahead with the technology and discussing components with suppliers.
- Previous iPhone cameras: The main cameras on iPhone 14 Pro through iPhone 17 Pro models have a fixed aperture of ƒ/1.78, meaning the lens is always fully open at that setting.
Samsung’s History with Variable Aperture
Samsung introduced a variable aperture camera on its Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S10 models in 2018 and 2019. The feature was discontinued in 2020 due to increased device thickness and higher costs.
Current Samsung Plans
In response to Apple’s upcoming implementation, Samsung has reportedly asked multiple camera‑module partners to develop variable apertures and provide samples. The feature is still in early development, and final installation has not been confirmed, but there is a “strong will” within Samsung to bring it to future devices.