iPhone 17 Pro Max May Be the First to Feature Variable Aperture, Potentially a Pro Exclusive Feature

iPhone 17 Pro Max May Be the First to Feature Variable Aperture, Potentially a Pro Exclusive FeatureReports from foreign media suggest that at least one model in the iPhone 17 series next year will be equipped with a variable aperture lens, likely the iPhone 17 Pro Max. The variable aperture will be positioned as a high-end feature to differentiate it from other models

iPhone 17 Pro Max May Be the First to Feature Variable Aperture, Potentially a Pro Exclusive Feature

Reports from foreign media suggest that at least one model in the iPhone 17 series next year will be equipped with a variable aperture lens, likely the iPhone 17 Pro Max. The variable aperture will be positioned as a high-end feature to differentiate it from other models. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo also stated that variable aperture will become standard on iPhone 18 Pro, equipping both Pro models.

Currently, Apple phones use fixed aperture cameras, which lack flexibility in adjusting light intake and background blur effects. With variable aperture, depth of field and bokeh effects will appear more natural, providing an additional control for light intake, leading to noticeable improvements in photography.

However, implementing variable aperture comes with a cost. It increases the cost of the lens module and affects lens thickness, potentially adding weight to the iPhone 17 Pro Max and altering the camera bump.

Nevertheless, the potential for enhanced imaging capabilities outweighs the drawbacks for Apple. It is anticipated that both the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will utilize variable aperture lens modules in the iPhone 18 series, excluding standard models. In the future, variable aperture could become a Pro exclusive feature, akin to high refresh rate displays, absent in standard models.

Variable aperture isn't a novel technology in the smartphone market. Huawei's Mate50 series, launched in 2022, was the first to feature a ten-level variable aperture lens. Apple's adoption in the iPhone 18 Pro series, four years later, marks a lag behind Huawei.

This signifies that Apple has fallen behind competitors in implementing variable aperture technology. However, Apple is renowned for its meticulous focus on user experience and product quality. It is likely that they will thoroughly test and optimize variable aperture to ensure it delivers the best experience for users.

The arrival of variable aperture technology will undoubtedly enhance iPhone photography, providing users with a more professional and flexible shooting experience. However, it also signifies a widening gap between Pro models and standard models, presenting a challenge for Apple in terms of product positioning and market strategies.