iPhone 18 Pro Max Rumored to Get Exclusive Camera Upgrade

[MacRumors]

Apple's upcoming iPhone 18 Pro models may be differentiated by a new camera feature that could be exclusive to the larger Pro Max model, if a Chinese leaker is to be believed.

Since 2024, we've been hearing rumors about Apple's plans to introduce a variable aperture camera on the iPhone 18 Pro models – a first for any iPhone – but it was understood until now that the feature would come to both devices.

Leaker Ice Universe claims that's not the case. The iPhone 18 Pro Max will "exclusively feature a variable aperture," they said in a new post on Weibo, a Chinese social media platform.

"Looks like even Apple can't escape the reality that if you want the absolute best camera experience, you'll have to put up with a phone that weighs like a brick," the leaker added.

We already know a variable aperture lens is coming to the iPhone 18 Pro Max, thanks to the June leak of internal files from Apple supplier Tata Electronics. The files revealed that the iPhone 18 Pro Max will feature a new Sony IMX905 sensor with variable aperture support.

The smaller iPhone 18 Pro model was not mentioned in the leaked file, but it wasn't clear if that meant it wouldn't get a variable aperture lens, or it the leaked files simply didn't include that information.

Apple has never implemented a variable aperture on an iPhone. From the iPhone 14 Pro through the iPhone 17 Pro, the main camera uses a fixed ƒ/1.78 aperture, meaning the lens remains fully open at all times when capturing images.

With a variable lens, the iPhone 18 Pro Max could allow users to manually shift the aperture, similar to on a DSLR camera. It could mean more control over depth of field, enabling sharper focus on subjects or smoother background blur. That all depends on how Apple implements the feature, of course. It may be more automated than that.

Beyond size and battery life, the last time Apple differentiated its iPhone Pro models was with the iPhone 15 Pro, which lacked the tetraprism telephoto lens that was included to the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

The iPhone 18 Pro Max is rumored to be bigger and heavier than its predecessor this year. Apart from the rumored aperture lens, it is expected to be otherwise equivalent to its smaller sibling. Both iPhone 18 Pro models are set to launch next month alongside Apple's first foldable iPhone, the "iPhone Ultra."

Article Link: iPhone 18 Pro Max Rumored to Get Exclusive Camera Upgrade

 

[germanbeer007]

never again will i get a pro max phone. typing keys near the side edges is extremely uncomfortable.

 

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

Well, if this is true I'll probably wait to upgrade my 15 pro until next year...

I don't want the largest model, and I detest the "odd" years when Apple actually differentiates the cameras on the Pro and it's larger sibling.

 

[EugW]

It could just be Apple rationing camera features again, and will bring it to Pro non-Max 1 year later.

 

[Tevosn]

It could just be Apple rationing camera features again, and will bring it to Pro non-Max 1 year later.

That would be nice, if the rumor is true. I’m not getting an 18, but if iPhone 19 is full display and no have no pill cutout I may get that.

 

[Pezimak]

Apple potentially pulling this trick again. IMO if they are not able to include ALL features in BOTH phones, then they should differentiate the models more. but then we haven't seen the new pricing yet...

 

[MeasterHD]

I assume it will get also upgraded price either 😬.
Gonna wait for next year’s release.

 

[sc00ba]

Anyone remember when Apple had the same cameras across the 13 pro and 13 pro max?

People including myself we're grateful that we didn't have to buy the pro max to get the best cameras, but it looks Apple is sticking with the old "upsell" strategy.

 

[starlabjump]

I think camera sensor size is just as important when it comes to photo quality.

Some smart phones already employ even 1 inch sensors

 

[allenvanhellen]

Just buy a real camera! It’ll last much longer, have a swappable battery, swappable storage, etc.

 

[fatTribble]

With a variable lens, the iPhone 18 Pro Max could allow users to manually shift the aperture, similar to on a DSLR camera. It could mean more control over depth of field, enabling sharper focus on subjects or smoother background blur.

I’m still missing how this will be enticing to most iPhone buyers.
I’m curious how they announce this at the upcoming event.

 

[ViVi555]

Variable aperture in such a tiny camera sensor. Does it really matter?

 

[Mr_Ed]

I think camera sensor size is just as important when it comes to photo quality.

Some smart phones already employ even 1 inch sensors

Maybe Apple should just grow a pair and produce a phone model aimed at photographers with larger sensor, variable aperture, and actual, somewhat ergonomic, shutter button functionality and price it accordingly. Call it “iPhone Pro Photo” or something. Leave the smaller cameras as they are in the rest of the lineup for the rest of us. Hell, maybe even aim for reducing/removing the camera bump in those.

 

[McWetty]

It’s highly obnoxious when Apple does this. Artificially withholding features for the bigger phone is like saying, “We either aren’t smart enough to figure it out or we are purposely punishing users of smaller phones.”

 

[acconda81]

If I want to chase the best camera, I will just use the “upgrade” costs to buy a mirrorless camera.

 

[PsykX]

I hope it comes to the 18 Pro.
I tried a 16 Pro Max two years ago and returned it. Too big (even for my big hands!) and too heavy.

 

[Taq'aix]

Can’t believe Apple is pulling the differentiation BS again.

Thankfully, I’m not in the market for a new iPhone, so I couldn’t care less. All is fine. 😌

 

[rikki_t]

Nice as they are, smartphones are no substitute for a dedicated device, even a DJI Osmo or Gopro handle and function better, as long as you can shoot at 4K who cares

 

[hmmmmmmm]

never again will i get a pro max phone. typing keys near the side edges is extremely uncomfortable.

Just say you have small hands.

 

[DrWojtek]

Lol OK then, I'll just get a new battery on my 14 and use it for another 3 years. Thanks for not making me upgrade.

 

[DrWojtek]

Nice as they are, smartphones are no substitute for a dedicated device, even a DJI Osmo or Gopro handle and function better, as long as you can shoot at 4K who cares

I'll have to say these are the worst options. The big, big positive with a smartphone camera is that it is always with you. But if you are able to carry an Osmo with you, which is barely an upgrade, or as a matter of fact it could be a downgrade, then you might as well carry a real camera.

 

[FreakinEurekan]

I got a 15 Pro Max to get the better zoom lens - frankly not all THAT different from my wife's 15 Pro at the time. But I have big hands.

 

[Brian_v11]

"The iPhone 18 Pro Max is rumored to be bigger and heavier than its predecessor this year."

iPhone 18 Pro Max now offers unique options such as shoulder straps and casters, both color-matched to your phone!

 

[Unregistered 4U]

An average brick weighs 4.5 pounds or 2 kilograms. Quadruple the weight of the current iPhone 17 Pro Max… and you’re still not at a brick. Then double that… and you’re still not at a brick. 🙂

 

[The Game 161]

not a big surprise.