Rumors surrounding the upcoming iPhone 18 lineup have resurfaced, focusing on a potential variable aperture camera system and a revised release schedule. According to the well-known leaker, Digital Chat Station, the iPhone 18 Pro Max may incorporate innovative changes to its camera technology. This speculation has reignited interest as the tech community looks ahead following the recent launch of the iPhone 17 series.
The reports suggest that the iPhone 18 Pro Max will feature “variable aperture materials,” allowing for enhanced photographic capabilities. In addition, the device’s 48MP Telephoto lens, which utilizes a periscope system, is expected to be equipped with a larger aperture. The aperture, which regulates the amount of light reaching the camera sensor, plays a significant role in determining the depth of field in photographs. Traditional smartphone cameras often employ a fixed aperture due to the spatial constraints of mobile devices. The introduction of a variable aperture could enable photographers to achieve depth-of-field effects directly in-camera, rather than relying on computational photography techniques used in current iPhone Portraits.
These claims are not entirely new; they have surfaced previously in various discussions. Ming-Chi Kuo, a respected analyst in the technology sector, had speculated about such features for the iPhone 18 line earlier in 2025. Following the iPhone 17 launch—where no variable aperture technology was introduced—ETNews revisited these rumors on October 15, 2023.
Release Schedule Changes
In addition to camera enhancements, Digital Chat Station has also commented on the release schedule for the iPhone 18 series. The leaker indicates that the lineup will be split into two parts, with the iPhone 18 Pro series, an updated iPhone Air, and the anticipated iPhone Fold set to launch in September 2026. In contrast, the standard iPhone 18 is purportedly delayed until the first half of 2027, alongside an update for the iPhone 18e.
The notion of a staggered release is not novel and has been echoed in earlier reports. A discussion from May 2025 hinted at such a split, although the iPhone Air was not mentioned at that time. Similar sentiments were expressed by Ming-Chi Kuo earlier in 2025 and by another leaker, known as “Instant Digital,” in July. Moreover, ETNews also acknowledged the possibility of this schedule change in their August report.
While the frequency of these reports suggests a likelihood of these changes, there remains no definitive confirmation. The credibility of the leakers, particularly those based on Weibo, often hinges on their tendency to aggregate existing rumors rather than providing original insights. This can lead to a less reliable portrayal of evolving Apple rumors compared to traditional, established sources.
As the launch dates approach, the tech community will be watching closely to see whether these features and schedule changes materialize, marking what could be a significant evolution in Apple’s flagship smartphone offerings.
