Apple could introduce a notable camera difference between the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, according to a new leak. The larger model is reportedly set to get a variable-aperture camera that may not be available on the smaller Pro.
Leaker Ice Universe claimed on Weibo that the iPhone 18 Pro Max will exclusively feature variable aperture technology. Apple has not confirmed the report, and the claim comes from a single source.
A variable aperture allows a camera lens to control the amount of light reaching the sensor. It can also give photographers greater control over exposure and depth of field. The feature is more common on dedicated cameras and has not yet appeared on an iPhone. The reported camera difference would stand out if other specifications remain similar. Both Pro models are expected to use Apple’s A20 Pro chip and 12GB of memory.
Both models are expected to get a 48MP triple-camera setup and storage options of up to 2TB. In earlier generations, the main difference between the Pro and Pro Max was their size, with the Pro Max offering a larger screen and battery.
Apple has made camera features exclusive to the Pro Max before. The iPhone 15 Pro Max, for example, got a 5x telephoto camera before Apple brought the feature to the smaller Pro model. If the variable-aperture camera stays exclusive to the Pro Max, the gap between the two phones would be much bigger.
The report should be treated cautiously as Apple has not announced the iPhone 18 lineup. Leaks surrounding unreleased devices can change before a product reaches consumers. The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to launch together in September, according to the information provided. Apple is also expected to introduce its first foldable iPhone, reportedly called the iPhone Ultra, during the same launch period.
If the variable-aperture claim proves accurate, buyers choosing between the two Pro models may face a new decision. The smaller iPhone 18 Pro could potentially give up more than screen size and battery capacity. For now, the camera distinction is only a reported possibility. Apple’s launch event will determine whether the Pro Max gets an exclusive photography upgrade.
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