**How We Rate Rumors**
– **0-20%: Unlikely** – Lacks credible sources
– **21-40%: Questionable** – Some concerns remain
– **41-60%: Plausible** – Reasonable evidence
– **61-80%: Probable** – Strong evidence
– **81-100%: Highly Likely** – Multiple reliable sources
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### Rumor Assessment: 50% Plausible
Apple has been rumored to introduce variable aperture technology to the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max on several occasions and is reportedly working with various suppliers to secure the necessary parts.
The Cupertino company first introduced a telephoto zoom lens with the launch of the iPhone 15 Pro Max and has gradually been implementing exclusive upgrades for its top-tier models. A new rumor now claims that, in addition to variable aperture technology, the 48MP telephoto lens on the iPhone 18 Pro series will feature a larger aperture.
Returning to a previous prediction that the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will maintain the same display sizes as the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max — along with a slightly transparent glass back — tipster Digital Chat Station has shared new information about the flagship’s cameras for next year.
Both top-end models are expected to include a larger aperture for the 48MP telephoto sensor. Although exact specifications have yet to be revealed, it is assumed that the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max could feature at least an f/2.0 aperture, compared to the current f/2.2 aperture on the telephoto cameras of the iPhone 17 Pro models.
For context, a smaller f-number means a wider aperture, allowing more light to enter the lens. This improvement would enhance image quality, particularly in low-light environments, making Apple’s 2026 flagship iPhones better suited for nighttime photography.
Furthermore, the variable aperture technology will likely be applied to the primary sensor, enabling users to manually adjust aperture settings based on surrounding lighting conditions to capture sharper images and videos.
Regarding the launch schedule, the base iPhone 18 is not expected to debut with Apple’s traditional September lineup. Instead, Apple is rumored to delay the release until early 2027, possibly to make way for its first foldable iPhone.
The tipster also mentioned that this base model might be announced alongside the iPhone 18e. There is speculation that Apple may skip the “iPhone 18” name entirely for the base model, potentially calling it the iPhone 20, following predictions by an Omdia senior researcher suggesting the company will bypass the iPhone 19 naming scheme.
For early 2026, Apple is reportedly preparing to launch the iPhone 17e, and we will continue monitoring the company’s plans for the fourth quarter next year.
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**News Source:** Digital Chat Station
https://wccftech.com/iphone-18-pro-48mp-telephoto-camera-to-get-larger-aperture-new-launch-schedule/
