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| Camera setup of the Galaxy S25 Ultra (pictured), said to be visually the same for the Galaxy S26 Ultra. |
The smartphone camera arms race is heating up again, and this time the battle might be over a feature borrowed straight from high-end DSLRs: variable aperture. If the latest industry whispers are to be believed, both Apple and Samsung are locked in a quiet race to master this technology, potentially changing how we take pictures with our phones.
The Spark: Apple’s Reported iPhone 18 Plans
Rumors have been steadily building that Apple plans to introduce a variable aperture camera system in its upcoming iPhone 18 lineup, expected this September. This would be a first for iPhone, allowing the camera’s physical aperture—the opening that controls how much light hits the sensor—to adjust automatically for different lighting conditions. The goal? Sharper low-light shots and more artistic control over depth of field, all from hardware, not just software.
But in the world of tech, a move by Apple is rarely met with silence from its biggest rival.
Samsung’s Counter-Move: A Return to Form?
According to a new report from Korea’s ET News, Samsung isn’t just watching from the sidelines. The tech giant has reportedly asked several camera module manufacturers, including Samsung Electro-Mechanics and MCNEX, to develop variable aperture technology for smartphones.
The report, which cites unnamed industry sources, states that Samsung is “strongly committed” to bringing the feature back to its Galaxy flagship phones. This wouldn't be Samsung's first foray into variable aperture; the company famously included it in the Galaxy S9 and S10 series back in 2018-2019, before seemingly abandoning it in later models.
As detailed in the original Korean report from ET News, the development process is already underway, though the timeline is tight.
The Timeline: Galaxy S27 in the Crosshairs
So, when can we expect to see this tech in a Samsung phone? The consensus suggests not immediately. With the Galaxy S26 series launch just around the corner, it’s likely too late for such a significant hardware change. This aligns with earlier rumors from last year that hinted at a variable aperture return for the S26, which now seem to have faded.
All eyes are now on the Galaxy S27 series, expected in early 2027, as the prime candidate for this major camera upgrade. However, the final decision may hinge on engineering challenges. A key hurdle will be how slim and compact the component manufacturers can make these new aperture modules without compromising on durability or image quality.
Why Variable Aperture Matters for Your Photos
For the average user, this technical spec translates to tangible benefits. A variable aperture allows your phone’s camera to act more like your eye, physically widening or narrowing to suit the scene.
- In bright daylight: A smaller aperture (higher f-stop number) can increase sharpness and detail across the entire image.
- In low light: A wider aperture (lower f-stop number) lets in significantly more light, potentially reducing noise and producing clearer night shots.
- For creative effects: It offers finer hardware-based control over background blur (bokeh), moving beyond the purely computational portrait modes of today.
The Bottom Line: A Waiting Game
For now, this remains in the realm of speculation and supply chain reports. Neither Apple nor Samsung has officially commented on these plans. The potential iPhone 18 Pro feature and a possible Galaxy S27 response highlight the relentless innovation in mobile photography.
One thing is clear: the quest for the perfect smartphone photo is driving manufacturers to revisit and reinvent past technologies. The variable aperture, it seems, is poised for a high-profile comeback. We’ll be watching closely for any official hints as we move deeper into 2025 and 2026.
Source: ET News