Apple has begun production of the first components of the main camera in the iPhone 18 Pro series, in preparation for providing a major upgrade represented by the adoption of a variable lens aperture. According to a new report, Sunny Optical has begun manufacturing parts for this camera, based on information from Apple’s supply chain.
LG Innotek is expected to assemble the complete camera module within about a month, as production usually begins several months before the launch of new iPhones. The report indicates that starting production earlier this time is due to the complexity of the variable aperture technology, and the manufacturing challenges or higher defect rates that may accompany it.
Although the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will maintain a 48-megapixel triple camera system, the main camera will get this new feature.
The current iPhone 17 Pro relies on a 1/1.28-inch sensor with a fixed aperture f/1.8 lens, while the variable aperture allows the lens to be closed for a greater depth of field, which helps keep all elements in the image clear, such as group photos.
This technology may also contribute to improving low-light performance, depending on the maximum available lens aperture, but the full details have not yet been revealed. Apple is expected to officially unveil the iPhone 18 Pro series during September.
