iPhone 18 Pro Could Introduce 48MP Telephoto Lens With Larger Variable Aperture

The iPhone 18 Pro is shaping up to be one of Apple’s most technically ambitious smartphones yet, with rumors pointing toward a groundbreaking 48MP telephoto camera featuring a larger aperture and advanced variable aperture technology. If true, this could mark one of the most significant leaps in iPhone photography since the introduction of the periscope zoom lens on the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The latest reports, primarily from industry insider Digital Chat Station, suggest that Apple is deep into testing with multiple suppliers for the required lens components, aiming to redefine what mobile photography can achieve in challenging lighting conditions.

Apple’s strategy in recent years has been clear: differentiate the Pro lineup with increasingly professional-grade camera systems.

When the iPhone 15 Pro Max launched, its telephoto zoom lens instantly became a highlight, offering more flexibility and clarity at distance. Now, with the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max rumored to feature a 48MP telephoto sensor paired with a larger aperture – potentially around f/2.0 compared to the iPhone 17 Pro’s f/2.2 – Apple could significantly improve low-light performance and background separation. A larger aperture allows more light to hit the sensor, producing cleaner, brighter shots and smoother depth effects, especially in night or indoor photography.

Interestingly, the rumored addition of variable aperture technology would give users greater control over their photography. Much like on professional cameras, the ability to manually adjust the aperture – perhaps from f/1.4 to f/2.8 – would let photographers balance light intake, motion blur, and sharpness dynamically. While it remains uncertain whether this feature will extend to all lenses or just the main wide sensor, insiders suggest Apple is experimenting with this feature to rival Samsung’s own variable aperture system first seen on the Galaxy S9+. The combination of a 48MP telephoto lens, a brighter aperture, and adjustable optics could make the iPhone 18 Pro a true hybrid tool for both photography enthusiasts and video creators.

In terms of design, the iPhone 18 Pro series is said to retain the display sizes of the iPhone 17 Pro lineup but may feature a new semi-transparent glass back for a refined aesthetic twist. The shift to more experimental materials could hint at Apple’s intention to visually distinguish its premium devices even further

. What’s more, the base model’s timeline remains a bit of a mystery. Earlier reports suggested that Apple might skip the traditional ‘iPhone 18’ base variant in 2026, replacing it with a foldable flagship. However, updated information now indicates that the base model – possibly named iPhone 18 or even iPhone 20 if Apple decides to skip the ‘19’ – could debut in early 2027 alongside the iPhone 18e.

Given the early nature of these leaks, the rumor currently stands at a ‘Plausible’ rating of 50%. Multiple sources mention Apple’s testing and supplier partnerships, but without corroborating evidence or leaked schematics, the story remains speculative. Still, with Apple’s consistent focus on camera innovation, the introduction of a variable aperture system and a larger telephoto lens feels entirely within reach. Whether the iPhone 18 Pro delivers the expected optical leap or not, it’s clear that Apple is preparing a major evolution in iPhone photography for the next generation.