iPhone 18 Pro to Get Variable Aperture Camera Upgrade [Kuo]

The 2026 iPhone 18 Pro will allegedly feature a major upgrade to its camera system with a variable aperture wide-camera lens, according to a new report from TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

In a post today, Kuo said Sunny Optical will be the primary shutter supplier and Largan Precision would be the primary aperture lens supplier.

One major upgrade for the 2026 high-end iPhone 18 is the wide-camera lens upgrading to a variable aperture camera, significantly enhancing the user photography experience. My latest industry survey indicates Sunny Optical will be the primary shutter supplier (with Luxshare as secondary) and the second variable aperture lens supplier (after Largan Precision). Sunny Optical's advantages include experience designing and manufacturing variable aperture cameras for Android clients, while their strong position in shutter orders supports their lens order prospects.


A variable aperture wide-camera lens could offer numerous advantages over a fixed aperture lens including improved low-light performance and enhanced depth of field. This would allow for better adaptability across lighting conditions, greater creative flexibility, and possibly enhanced sharpness in wide shots.

Kuo also predicts that Sunny Optical will see its market share rebound from about 5% in 2024 to 15-20% in 2025. He also notes that the company's expansion into providing MacBook Pro camera modules (CCM) will contribute to 2025-2026 revenue and profit, positioning the company for potential CCM opportunities in iPads and iPhones.

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