iPhone 18 Pro camera upgrades expected to be costly

Apple is expected to incur higher costs due to upgrades to the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max cameras, according to Macrumors, which cited supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo on Friday. The new variable aperture lenses for the iPhone 18 Pro models are projected to cost 50% more than the current camera units used in existing models.

Variable aperture has been rumoured for upcoming iPhone generations in recent years. Kuo first mentioned the feature in late 2024, with subsequent reports following.

Unlike the fixed f/1.78 aperture found on all Pro iPhones from the 14 Pro to 17 Pro, variable aperture physically adjusts the lens opening to control the amount of light reaching the sensor. This feature offers improved light control and greater flexibility in depth of field.

Kuo noted that the component’s average selling price is around 50% higher than the lens currently used by Apple in the main camera of the iPhone 17 Pro.

Sunny Optical has become Apple’s new supplier for compact camera modules (CCM). The company initially produced cameras for the MacBook Neo.

Looking ahead, iPhone ultra-wide camera modules for 2028 are expected to shift from flip-chip packaging to a better COB (chip-on-board) design. The COB ultra-wide modules could be thinner or smaller, freeing up space for other components or delivering better image quality at the same physical size.

The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to launch in autumn alongside Apple’s first foldable iPhone.

Besides serving Apple, Kuo stated that Sunny Optical has secured component orders for two OpenAI devices, including a smartphone and a pocket-sized mobile device.